Sebastien Auguste Deroux

History

Sebastien Auguste Deroux (1848-1919) was born on June 29, 1848, in Mirecourt, France, and passed away in 1919 in Paris. He was the son and pupil of Georges Deroux. He worked for Silvestre in Lyons from April 1866 to August 1869. After completing four years of military service, he joined Miremont in Paris, working there from November 20, 1873, until July 15, 1884, where he became head of the workshop. In 1884, he established his own business at 16 rue Geoffroy-Marie, Paris. After his death, his shop was revived by Millant.

Craft

• Models: Sebastien Auguste Deroux crafted copies of Stradivari and Guarneri instruments, working according to Italian models.
• Varnish: He utilized a red-brown varnish, described as rather dark, and employed oil varnish.
• Workmanship: His instruments are noted for an excellent standard of finish. He gained a significant reputation as one of the best restorers of old instruments in Paris.
• Production: Sources contain conflicting information regarding the number of instruments he produced. John Dilworth records precisely 244 instruments with his signature, while Cecie Stainer states he had made 91 new instruments (violins, altos, violoncellos) up to her publication. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes he had made over 100 new violins. He typically employed only one workman.

Influence

• Parentage & Early Training: He was the son and pupil of Georges Deroux.
• Mentorship: He worked under Silvestre in Lyons from 1866 to 1869. Subsequently, he worked for Miremont in Paris from 1873 to 1884.

Legacy

• Awards: Sebastien Auguste Deroux received a "Mention honorable" as a collaborator at the Paris Exhibition in 1878. He was awarded a silver medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1889 and also received medals in 1889 and 1900.
• Workshop Continuity: His workshop at 16 rue Geoffroy-Marie, Paris, was revived by Millant after his death.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: His own business was established at 16 rue Geoffroy-Marie, Paris, where he remained.
• Labels & Signatures: Examples of his labels include "Auguste Deroux à Paris An 1885" and "S. A. Deroux / 16, rue Geoffroy-Marie. / No. 117 Paris 18..". The letters "A. S. D." are also found above the date on some instruments.

Summary

Sebastien Auguste Deroux (1848-1919) was a French luthier, son and pupil of Georges Deroux. He trained with Silvestre in Lyons and Miremont in Paris, eventually becoming head of Miremont's workshop. In 1884, he established his own business at 16 rue Geoffroy-Marie, Paris. Deroux was known for crafting copies of Stradivari and Guarneri instruments, using a red-brown oil varnish and achieving an excellent standard of finish. He was also highly regarded as a restorer of old instruments and received several awards, including a silver medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1889. His workshop was later revived by Millant.