(b London, 23 Dec 1709; d London, 15 Jan 1766). English music seller, printer, publisher and instrument maker. He probably assumed control of the business of his father, john Walsh (i), in about 1730, when the relationship with the Hare family apparently ceased and the numbering of the firm’s publications started. On 8 May 1731 Walsh succeeded to the appointment of instrument maker to the king. Although John Johnson and other rivals arose, the business continued to prosper and maintained its excellent engraving and paper. Burney characterized Walsh (ii) as ‘purveyor general’. Walsh fully developed the firm's relationship with Handel, publishing almost all his later works and in 1739 being granted a monopoly of his music for 14 years. About half of Walsh's output was of Handel compositions. The firm also sold other publishers' works, and bought up the stock of smaller firms when they ceased trading. Many of Walsh's apprentice engravers later set up on their own, including John Caulfield, Thomas Straight and Thomas Skillern. Walsh, who never married, was elected a governor of the Foundling Hospital in 1748 and may have been responsible for suggesting the performance of Messiah to raise funds. On Walsh's death the Public Advertiser placed his fortune at £40,000. The business was left, under specific conditions, to his cousin william Randall (ii) and John Abell (ii), who had presumably both been in his employ.
For bibliography see Walsh, John (i).
FRANK KIDSON/WILLIAM C. SMITH/PETER WARD JONES/ DAVID HUNTER