RootsChat.Com
Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: chelsen on Monday 05 December 05 18:00 GMT (UK)
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My ancestor James Parslow born 1848/9 in Kingston upon Thames is listed on the 1871 and 1881 census as being a Carpenter living in Oaklea Passage, Kingston. On the 1891 and 1901 census he is described as a Banjo Maker, still living in Oaklea Passage. I have reason to believe he worked at some stage for Burgoine's Boatbuilders who used to be situated at Hampton Wick. Does anyone have any information on Burgoines and is it possible to find out if James did work there and when?
Also, I believe that when he worked as a Banjo Maker he had premises in the Fairfield, Kingston. I know one of his relatives lived there but would be interested if anyone knows where the business premises were.
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Hi
I have found an article on him for you!
http://www.whitetreeaz.com/vintage/brit3.htm
Jane
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Hi
And another one. See under Smith
http://www.whitetreeaz.com/vintage/brit4.htm
Jane
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Thank you, Jane, for that very interesting link. It confirms that he did have a workshop in the Fairfield. I wonder if there are any Parslow banjo's still in existence.
Carole
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Hi
I would expect they have survived especially as he was into highly decorative bodies (first link). The trouble is people that inherit banjos often don't know what they have.
Apart from being a regular contributor to this board you post caught my interest as my husband is into banjos (playing, restoring and has his own wesite as he build eletric banjos) and into boats (he is a yachtmaster and sails and restores dinghys and yachts and has just bought a folk boat which he is repairing before putting it on the sea).
I had a quick look on ebay but there is nothing listed at the moment. I would assume a Parslow banjo is signed or able to be identified in some way.
Jane
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1901 Kellys directory gives James Parslow, Banjo Manufacturer, 28 Fairfield Rd. Kingston. (www.historicaldirectories.org)
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Thanks Jane and Jorose. I will go and see if 28 Fairfield Road is still standing.
Carole
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Hi Carole, I am compiling a register of surviving Parslow banjos and would like to hear from anyone who has one or knows of the whereabouts of any existing. I have nine registered and there are a further six known to be in existence but no contact details. Do you still have your Parslow Zither banjo?
Ed.
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Hi Ed
We must be distantly related as I am descended from Thomas Parslow 1768-1843. James Parslow the banjo maker was my first cousin 3 x removed. I was born in Kingston and still live a couple of miles away.
Yes, I do still have the Parslow banjo but I was not aware that it was a Zither banjo. I know a lot of them have no back but mine has a completely enclosed back. I am attaching a couple of photos.
Please let me know if you need any further information.
Regards
Carole
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Hi Carole, Thanks for the prompt response.
It is very doubtful that we are related as at the time of Thomas Parslow, my family moved from the area now Tower Bridge to Northumberland to start a specialist firebrick company. I am however interested in the evolution of the Parslow banjo although very little documentary evidence exists and of course James Parslow didn’t use serial numbers so there is no way of knowing how many he made.
Is it possible for you to do a few measurements for me please, in inches, namely:
The width of the fretboard at the nut (i.e. 1¼”)
The width of the fretboard at the 12th fret (i.e. 1⅞”)
The length of the fretboard from the underside of the nut to where it meets the body (i.e. 19”)
The scale length – if not sure, measure the fretboard from the underside of the nut to the 12th fret and double it, which should correspond with the total distance to the bridge assuming that is in the correct position. (i.e. 26¼”)
The size of the pot, i.e. across the surface of the skin and not the metal or woodwork. (i.e. 10”)
Is the tailpiece cover hinged? If so how are the strings attached.
A nice close-up photo of the nameplate without flash.
Phew! Well you did ask.
How can I send you a 20-page (actual 40) PDF of what I have compiled. Are you on facebook?
Ed.
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I can certainly do that Ed.
It might have to wait until this evening or tomorrow as we have the family coming for the day today, including our 21 month old Grandson so not a lot else will get done today.
I am on Facebook. If you can private message me on FB I will then give you my email address. There is a way of sending private messages on here but I have not done it for a long time. Will try and sort that out first.
Carole
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Hi again, Ed.
I have sent you a Rootschat personal message containing my email address.
Carole
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I own a Parslow Banjo.....it has recently be given to me from my father who played in various jazz bands centred around Kingston and south London. Notably, The Fighting Cocks. He purchased the banjo around 1953/4. I have, this morning, PM ed Ed Parslow and I am looking forward to hearing from him...
Steve
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Hi there Steve,
I have left a couple of messages for you -- one somewhere here and one on facebook. I presume you have noted the correspondence between Carole and myself which will give you some idea of the info I would like to help in acquiring more understanding of the life and output of James Thomas Parslow.
Cheers, Ed.
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Very interesting. Maybe this is one of your missing Parslow banjo’s Ed.
Do you live in the Kingston area SteveCoe?
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A good article attached
http://www.vintagebanjomaker.com/parslow/4570246135
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Hi again, Ed.
I have sent you a Rootschat personal message containing my email address.
Carole
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I was born in Kingston and grew up in Chessington. I now live in Kent....