French Cello, Mirecourt. Probably JTL - Late 19th to Early 20th C. (FR011) (SOLD)
French Cello, Mirecourt. Probably JTL - Late 19th to Early 20th C. (FR011) (SOLD)
This cello was made in Mirecourt, France sometime in the late 19th century or early 20th century probably by the Jerome Thibouville-Lamy (JTL) factory. It is based on a Stradivari design and is a deep auburn in color. It has been professionally restored and setup by a luthier. There are some minor repairs and wear consistent with the instrument’s age and playing life. This cello has clearly benefited from the century plus old tone wood in its construction and has matured into a fine sounding instrument with a large, projecting sound. The length of back is 763mm.
Mirecourt
Mirecourt is a small town in the north east of France with a tradition of string instrument manufacture dating back to the 16th century. Some of the finest makers in history have emerged from the area. Mirecourt’s success was built on the guild system which ensured quality control, apprenticeship training standards and the seamless passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. Influential Mirecourt makers include Vuillaume, Lupot, Collin-Mezin, Derazey, Bazin, Gand, and Chanot among others.
During the mid-19th century some larger factories with an emphasis on export emerged, the largest being Jerome Thibouville-Lamy (JTL). Worthy competitors included Laberte-Humbert Frères, Didier Nicolas, and Bernardel.