Georges (II) Chanot

History

Georges (II) Chanot (1831-1895) was born in Paris, France, and later died in London, UK, according to John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers. He was the son and pupil of Georges Chanot (I), working initially in his father's workshop. In 1851, he moved to London, where he worked as an assistant to Maucotel until 1857, as detailed by Dilworth and Cecie Stainer in A Dictionary of Violin Makers. Chanot established his own business premises at 86 Wardour Street in 1858, and subsequently at 137 Wardour Street in 1862. His half-brother, Joseph Chardon, briefly joined him at the latter address. Georges (II) Chanot gained a high reputation and received a 'mention honourable' at the Paris Exhibition in 1878, as noted by Dilworth. However, Cecie Stainer states he received a bronze medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1878, and a gold medal in London in 1885. Sources contain conflicting information about the specific award received at the 1878 Paris Exhibition. His reputation as a connoisseur and businessman was somewhat tarnished by his involvement in the notorious Hodges case of 1881, where he gave disingenuous testimony and admitted to inserting a false Bergonzi label, betraying a cynical attitude to business practice. Towards the end of his life, he made a substantial contribution to the foundation of the musical instrument collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, which is now defunct.

Craft

• Instrument Quality: Georges (II) Chanot's instruments were of very good quality, according to Cecie Stainer.
• Guarneri Copies: His chief fame rests on his very fine copies of Guarneri instruments, which display a close knowledge and sympathy with the personal style of Guarneri del Gesù, as noted by John Dilworth.
• Bows: Bows bearing his brand are described by John Dilworth as rather heavy but well-finished work.
• Label Inscription: An example of his label inscription is "Violin de Maître / Finished, fitted up, and varnished with best oil varnish / George Chanot, London, 1883".

Influence

• Paternal Training: He was the son and pupil of Georges Chanot (I), working in his father's workshop.
• Mentorship: From 1851 to 1857, he worked as an assistant to Maucotel in London.

Legacy

• Exhibition Awards: He received a 'mention honourable' at the Paris Exhibition in 1878, according to John Dilworth. Cecie Stainer states he received a bronze medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1878 and a gold medal in London in 1885.
• Museum Contribution: He made a substantial contribution to the foundation of the musical instrument collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington.

Further Information

• Business Locations: Georges (II) Chanot established his own business at 86 Wardour Street in 1858, and later at 137 Wardour Street in 1862.
• Collaborations: His half-brother, Joseph Chardon, briefly joined him at the 137 Wardour Street address.

Summary

Georges (II) Chanot (1831-1895) was a Parisian-born luthier who established a significant career in London. The son and pupil of Georges Chanot (I), he also trained under Maucotel before opening his own successful business on Wardour Street. He was renowned for his high-quality instruments, particularly his fine copies of Guarneri del Gesù. Despite a tarnished reputation from the Hodges case of 1881, he contributed to the Victoria and Albert Museum's musical instrument collection and received various exhibition awards, though sources conflict on the specifics of his 1878 Paris Exhibition medal.