About the Society
Formed in his home city of Salisbury to celebrate one of England's finest 18th century makers of violins, violas and cellos. Banks was born in Salisbury in July 1727 and we are planning a weekend of events to mark the tercentenary of his birth:
10th & 11th July 2027 — Please Save the Dates!
Read on for more details and how to take part in this very special occasion.
Calling All Owners and Players
If you have or know of any original instruments by Benjamin Banks and his sons James & Henry Banks — please get in touch!
We aim to beat our 2019 record of a unique ensemble of sixteen instruments by a single 18th century maker, and to gather as many Banks instruments as possible to play together for his 300th birthday.
Events
Benjamin Banks Tercentenary Concert
To celebrate his 300th birthday, a unique and record-breaking ensemble of as many Banks violins, violas & cellos as we can find (with their current custodians) will play together at St Thomas's Church where Banks was baptised, was a lifelong parishioner and churchwarden, and is buried.
The evening concert will include the unveiling of a beautiful new memorial stone carved by Jay Battle, a lasting historical monument for Salisbury, and a tribute to one revered Salisbury craftsman by another.
Benjamin Banks Tercentenary Celebration
A day of displays, history talks, luthier demonstrations and chamber music played on Banks instruments.
Links & Sponsors
If you'd like to sponsor these events, please contact the Society using the form below.
Get in Touch
Own or know of a Banks instrument, want to take part in the tercentenary events, or interested in sponsoring? Send us a message.