Reference Library Makers

B.1801, Mirecourt, d. 1883, Paris

Son and pupil of Joseph Chanot (1760-1832), a Mirecourt violin maker, and once established in Paris, a rival to his contemporary J.B. Vuillaume. He had almost as great success as Vuillaume in a similar career, making finely-crafted copies of Stradivari and Guarneri, and dealing in antique instruments. His authority and expertise was widely appreciated. His business was continued by his son-in-law Joseph Chardon (1843-1930). His brother Francois (1788-1825) was an ingenious maker, best known for experimental models redesigned on scientific ideals. Two sons, Adolphe (1826-1854) and Georges II (1831-1893) were also violin makers. Georges moved to London in 1851 and gained a strong reputation for his own Cremonese copies. His sons continued to work in England; Georges-Adolphe (1855-1923) was the most significant and worked in Manchester, Frederic-William (1857-1911) and Joseph-Anthony (1865-1936) remained in London. The two sons of the latter, William Arthur and John Alfred were the last violin makers of the family line.