Featured Violin Bow
About François Nicolas Voirin
Regarded as one of the most important bow makers in the history of bow making, François Nicolas Voirin (1833-1885) began an apprenticeship at the age of twelve with Jean Simon in Mirecourt before moving to Paris in 1855 to join the famous workshop of his cousin, Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. Voirin worked alongside Pierre Simon (1808-1881), another gifted bow maker from Mirecourt who had studied with Dominique Peccatte, copying Simon's head styles and Vuillaume's frog designs, including the experimental "Alard" style frog and "picture" bows.
In 1870, Voirin established his own workshop in Paris, where he developed his personal bow models. Although known as "the modern Tourte" during his lifetime, Voirin's bows differed significantly from those of François Tourte, departing from "hatchet head" designs of Tourte, Peccatte, and Simon, experimenting instead with lighter models. Voirin's bows were built with narrower heads, cambers oriented nearer to the tip, slimmer sticks, and they were highly admired for their elegance and agile playability. His style was highly influential with his students, including Charles Peccatte, Joseph Alfred Lamy (Lamy père), Louis and Claude Thomassin, and Charles Nicolas Bazin II. Voirin's brother, Joseph Voirin (1837-1895), was also a respected bow maker who joined his business in 1875.
François Nicolas Voirin's bows are highly regarded and sought after by top string players and collectors.
Sold with a certificate of authenticy from Paul Childs.About This Violin Bow
François Nicolas Voirin | Paris circa 1880 | Octagonal | Ebony and silver fittings | 4/4
Featured Viola Bow
About Charles Nicolas Bazin
Among the most esteemed French bow makers of his time, Charles Nicolas Bazin (1847-1915) was born into a family of bowmakers in Mirecourt. He was trained by his father, François Xavier Bazin (1824-1865), and after François' untimely death, Charles took over his father's business at only 18 years of age. Becoming a highly skilled and prolific maker, Charles Nicolas made bows for many prominent Parisian firms including those of Nestor Audinot, Caressa & Francais, Collin-Mézin, Joseph Hel, and Silvestre & Maucotel. The Bazin workshop grew to become one of the most successful and renowned in France, and many subsequent makers received training there including his own son, Charles Louis (1881-1953), as well as Victor and Jules Fétique, Louis Morizot père, Marie Louis Piernot, Paul Barjonnet, and Alfred Lamy. In 1907, Charles Louis took over management of the family business while his father continued to make bows until his death. Bows made by Charles Nicolas Bazin are highly desirable among professional players and collectors.
Sold with a certificate of authenticity from Paul Childs.About This Viola Bow
Charles Nicolas Bazin | Round | Ebony and silver fittings
Featured Cello Bow
About Bernard Ouchard
Among the most esteemed French bow makers of his time, Charles Nicolas Bazin (1847-1915) was born into a family of bowmakers in Mirecourt. He was trained by his father, François Xavier Bazin (1824-1865), and after François' untimely death, Charles took over his father's business at only 18 years of age. Becoming a highly skilled and prolific maker, Charles Nicolas made bows for many prominent Parisian firms including those of Nestor Audinot, Caressa & Francais, Collin-Mézin, Joseph Hel, and Silvestre & Maucotel. The Bazin workshop grew to become one of the most successful and renowned in France, and many subsequent makers received training there including his own son, Charles Louis (1881-1953), as well as Victor and Jules Fétique, Louis Morizot père, Marie Louis Piernot, Paul Barjonnet, and Alfred Lamy. In 1907, Charles Louis took over management of the family business while his father continued to make bows until his death. Bows made by Charles Nicolas Bazin are highly desirable among professional players and collectors.
Sold with a certificate of authenticity from Paul Childs.About This Cello Bow
Bernard Ouchard | Geneva circa 1950 | Round | Ebony and silver fittings | 4/4
