Joseph Panormo

He was born in Naples, Italy around 1767-1768.

He was the second son of Vincenzo Panormo (1734–1813) and learned violin making from his father.

From 1801 he lived on Waldo Street in London's Soho district, then moved to Portland Street from 1802 to 1804, King Street in 1823, Princess Street in 1828, and New Compton Street in 1830.

He met the master guitarist Fernando Sor (1778-1839) and, with his advice, began making guitars.

From 1823, with the help of Ferdinand Sor's sons Ferdinand Eduardo and Antonio Bruno, he achieved great success in guitar making.

Despite this, city records show Panormo was poverty-stricken.

The violin, cello and bass are so similar to those of his father, Vencenzo Panormo, that it is difficult to tell them apart.

The style tended to be a little more ornate, and the varnish was generally a deep reddish-brown, occasionally a golden yellow.

He was active in a wide range of fields, including receiving a commission from the great Italian double bass player Domenico Dragonetti (1763-1846) to make a double bass.

Instruments sold through dealers may be signed "R. & W. Davis" or "Astor & Co."

He died in London, England in 1837.

Quoted from The Brompton's Book of Violin and Bow Makers