Charles Boullangier

History

Charles Boullangier (1823-1888) was born in 1823 in Mirecourt, France, and died in October 1888 in London, UK. He learned his trade in Mirecourt until 1843. Subsequently, he worked in Paris with Vuillaume for three years until 1846, and then spent three more years with Gand and Bernardel from 1846 up to 1849. In March 1849, he moved to London, where he made violins for Edward Withers until 1856. He established his own business in London in 1856, operating from 87 Charlotte Street from 1858, 27 University Street from 1861, 40 Dean Street from 1862, and finally at 16 Frith Street from 1878 until his death. He was appointed violin maker to the Duke of Edinburgh and was awarded diplomas at the London Exhibitions of 1862, 1872, and 1888, including two diplomas and a silver medal.

Craft

• Workmanship: He was known for his excellent workmanship and was very diligent in his craft.
• Models: He built many violins, violas, and violoncellos, generally copying Cremonese models, often showing a fertile mixture of Parisian and London styles. He frequently based his instruments on Stradivari and Guarneri patterns.
• Varnish: He used a dark-red or orange-red varnish, described as a beautiful red lacquer.
• Materials: He utilized very fine quality woods for his instruments.
• Specialties: His violoncellos are particularly valued and esteemed.
• Signatures: Many instruments labelled 'Withers' bear Boullangier's signature on the interior.

Influence

• Training: He received his initial training in Mirecourt until 1843.
• Mentorship: He worked under prominent Parisian makers, including Vuillaume for three years and Gand & Bernardel for another three years. He also worked for Edward Withers in London.
• Influences: His work was particularly influenced by John Lott.

Legacy

• Awards: Charles Boullangier received diplomas at the London Exhibitions of 1862, 1872, and 1888, including two diplomas and a silver medal.
• Appointments: He held the prestigious position of violin maker to the Duke of Edinburgh.
• Succession: After his death in 1888, his business was taken over by his daughter Josephine and son-in-law George White, who continued to sell instruments labelled after his death.
• Family Misconception: Earlier writers mistakenly assumed his son, Charles Edward, was the successor to the shop and the author of these instruments, but Charles Edward was still in infancy during this period.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: After establishing his own business, he operated from 87 Charlotte Street (from 1858), 27 University Street (from 1861), 40 Dean Street (from 1862), and 16 Frith Street (from 1878 until his death).
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "Charles Boullangier / Fecit London, 1888 / 319", "Charles Boullangier. London / C.B. 87 Charlotte Street. Fitzroy Sq., 1858", and "Charles Boullangier / Frith Street, London, 1888. No. 317".

Summary

Charles Boullangier (1823-1888) was a French-born violin maker who established a significant career in London. After training in Mirecourt and working with esteemed Parisian makers like Vuillaume and Gand & Bernardel, he moved to London in 1849, initially working for Edward Withers before opening his own successful business in 1856. Known for his excellent workmanship, he crafted numerous violins, violas, and violoncellos, often copying Cremonese, Stradivari, and Guarneri models, and was noted for his dark-red varnish and fine quality woods. He received several awards at London Exhibitions and was appointed violin maker to the Duke of Edinburgh. His business was continued by his daughter and son-in-law after his death.