Jacques Lafleur

History

Jacques Lafleur (1757-1832) was a distinguished violin and bow maker. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his birth year, with Cecie Stainer's A Dictionary of Violin Makers stating 1760 in Nancy, while John Dilworth's The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers indicates 1757, also in Nancy. He died in 1832 in Paris. By 1783, he had already established himself in Paris, residing in rue de la Coutellerie. He subsequently moved to rue de la Verrerie by 1785, and then to 30, rue de la Juiverie by 1788, where he stayed until 1799. John Dilworth also notes a location in rue de la Cité from approximately 1780. He founded the music publishing company Alliance Musicale, which later expanded into instrument making. His son, Joseph Rene, also followed in his footsteps as a bow maker.

Craft

• Bow Making: Jacques Lafleur closely copied the bows of François Tourte, and his work in this area has earned a well-merited reputation. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, his bows are characterized by their "kühnen Schwung und Leichtigkeit" (bold curve and lightness).
• Bow Characteristics: His own bows often featured ornate ivory fittings and an ivory plate on the stick at the frog.
• Violin & Cello Production: He also produced violins and cellos, which were made by his workmen. These instruments are described as being in the Vuillaume style with red varnish. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted that his violins were considered less accomplished than his bows.
• Stylistic Development: From approximately 1812, he developed his style further, incorporating patterns from Lupot and Eury.
• Branding: Earlier works were branded "LAFLEUR," while later instruments developed along the Lupot-Eury patterns were branded "LAFLEUR A PARIS."

Influence

• Apprenticeship: Jacques Lafleur was apprenticed in Mirecourt.
• Associations: While in Mirecourt, he was associated with the Adam family.
• Stylistic Inspiration: He was significantly influenced by François Tourte, whose bows he closely copied. His later work also drew inspiration from the patterns of Lupot and Eury.

Legacy

• Family Continuity: His son, Joseph Rene Lafleur, continued the family tradition as a bow maker.
• Reputation: His bow making work holds a well-merited reputation among luthiers and musicians.
• Museum Collections: A bow crafted by Jacques Lafleur is preserved in the Paris Conservatoire Collection.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: His workshops in Paris included rue de la Coutellerie (by 1783), rue de la Verrerie (by 1785), 30, rue de la Juiverie (from 1788 to 1799), and rue de la Cité (from approximately 1780).
• Branding Marks: Instruments were branded "LAFLEUR" for earlier works and "LAFLEUR A PARIS" for later pieces.

Summary

Jacques Lafleur (1757-1832) was a prominent French violin and bow maker, born in Nancy and active in Paris. He established his workshop in Paris by 1783, moving between several addresses including rue de la Coutellerie, rue de la Verrerie, and rue de la Juiverie. He was known for his highly regarded bows, which closely emulated those of François Tourte and were characterized by their bold curve and lightness. His bows often featured distinctive ornate ivory fittings. While he also produced violins and cellos in the Vuillaume style with red varnish, his bows were considered his stronger contribution. He was apprenticed in Mirecourt and associated with the Adam family. His son, Joseph Rene, also became a bow maker, continuing his legacy. A bow by Jacques Lafleur is part of the Paris Conservatoire Collection.