MIRECOURT.
A
little town in East of France located south of Nancy, Mirecourt is
definitively one of the capitals of violin making.
Because of its rich inherited artisan past (Tin pottery, tannery, dyeing) Mirecourt, Bailiwick of the Duchy of Lorraine and place of residence of the Dukes of Lorraine, turn at the beginning of the 17 e century to the craft of lutherie. The legend tells that a personage called Tyversius, violin maker of the Dukes of Lorraine who was formed in Italy has taught his art to the Mirecurtiens. (Albert Jacquot dictionary)
It is more likely that the craft of Lutherie arrived in Mirecourt from Lyon. . "The famous portrait of Gaspard Tieffenbrucker or Duiffoprouggar" was engraved in 1562 by Woeiriot, artist from “Lorrain” who spent his life between Lyon and his native land.
If previously we found "Violin Barbelin" who was most likely only an instrument player, is at the dawn of the 17 e century that are cited the first "violins builders", and in 1629, the oldest apprenticeship contract found to date is signed, which stipulates that the young "apprentif" must learn the construction and to play musical instruments
In 1673, Mirecourt accounts four families in the instruments making business, who also exports their productions. In 1698, the Lorraine Court places an order, but it is not until 1732 that the “charter of Mirecourt and Mattaincourt stringed instrument makers" is granted, establishing a corporation of Master violin makers. Article 4 shows the requirements of the time: ".That the master of the said body will have the right to inspect, with two aldermen, works made by all kinds of people who will be or will distribute in the town of Mirecourt and in hamlet of Mattaincourt and to collect in case of poor craftsmanship with a fine of one Franc for each defective piece in addition of the suppression “d’icelle”. »
Mirecourt exports its products and its labor around the world including Italy. It is the undisputed training place of many generations of luthiers, and the world capital of bow making.
With a record number of more than 600 luthiers in 1926, working in small workshops, but also in large companies like LABERTE, THIBOUVILLE or COUESNON, Mirecourt poorly supports the musical crisis of the 1930s and labor fell below 100 employees in 1954. The creation of the National School of Violin Making stops the fall and the city finds pride again in its most renowned handicrafts. New workshops are implanted, and again today we can find violin and bow makers but also makers of guitars, mandolins and traditional instruments. Today it is easy to find a new or an old instrument.
Time has almost faded the memories of the worst molded instruments made in factories during a decadent era, of very short duration compare to four centuries of lutherie, to leave the "Mirecourt" label the reputation of quality at reasonably priced instruments
OUR WORKSCHOP.
In
our Workshop, we
manufacture, we perform
maintenance
and
repair,
restoration
and
adjustments
of the Quartet instruments, as well as the
purchase
and
sale
of violins, violas, cellos
instruments and Double basses of any category. We can provide
you with
instruments of study up to
instruments of
professional quality (master violin)
to play with or for a sound investment. We tell you
the
origin of your instrument
and provide certificates
of value for insurance purposes.
If you want to meet us, you can make sure of the opening of the workshop by a simple phone call. In case of a maintenance that needs to be done quickly, or for a bow hair lock, it is advised to make an appointment.
If you wish to visit us, you can ensure that the workshop is open with a simple phone call. However, In the case of an emergency repair, maintenance, or rehairing a bow, it is recommended that you make an appointment.
While we are looking or repairing your instrument, you can visit, the area there is plenty to do particularly in Mirecourt.
You will be able to visit the “lutherie museum” near the River, the “mechanical music House” located right in the front of the workshop. You can also log on to the Site of the city to review play and theatre schedules.
A hiking trail, the "luthier's Trail", allows you to discover houses that have housed musical instruments makers. Indeed, Mirecourt does not only excel in string instruments making but also in the fabrication of organs. Another trail (about 3 hours 15 minutes) takes you along the countryside. The "Schoolchildren Trail" along the river requires 2 hours 30 to the small calves.
A hiking trail, the GR 507 crosses Mirecourt, linking the GR 5F (Charmes), GR 7 (near Vittel).
You can find all information at the tourism office.
Other available documentations on Mirecourt :
“Mirecourt” in the catalogue of Laberte-Humbert 1912.
"Mirecourt " in the catalogue of Couesnon 1934.
"History of stringed-instrument in Mirecourt" by Jacquot.
"Conference about trademarks" by Roland Terrier, Colmar 1992.
"How the music comes to instruments " by Lothaire Mabru 1998, republish in 2005.
Site last update September, 23, 2023.
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