Jean Theodore Namy

History

Jean Theodore Namy (c.1755-1808) worked from approximately 1755 and died in 1808 in Paris, France. He was employed by Salomon's widow from 1772, and by 1788, he had established himself independently in place du Louvre. L'Abbé Sibire, in La Chelenomie, named him as an outstanding repairer, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that Sibire praised him in 1806 as the very best violin maker he knew. Cecie Stainer also notes he worked in Paris about 1755-1807 and was especially known for his clever way of restoring old instruments, showing rare skill even in the smallest details.

Craft

• Work Characteristics: His own work is rare, but generally exhibits Stradivarian proportions with a very fine orange oil varnish, and a particularly delicately cut scroll, according to John Dilworth.
• Repair Expertise: He made repairing his main focus, understanding it like no other, and his few existing violins show exemplary work, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Branding and Labels: Instruments are branded on the upper back with 'J.T.N.' One of his violins bears the label: "Fait par Namy, luthier chez Madame Salomon a Paris, 1772," as cited by Cecie Stainer.

Influence

• Employment: He was employed by Salomon's widow from 1772, as noted by John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer.
• Recognition: L'Abbé Sibire praised him in 1806, stating, "Je dis tout d'un coup: Voilà du Namy, comme je dirais: Voila du Crémone!" (I say all at once: That's a Namy, as I would say: That's a Cremona!), according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Legacy

• Historical Acclaim: Despite the rarity of his own instruments, his reputation as an outstanding repairer was cemented by L'Abbé Sibire's high praise, comparing his work to that of Cremona masters.

Further Information

• Working Period: He worked from approximately 1755 to 1808, with Cecie Stainer noting his activity about 1755-1807.
• Addresses: He lived in the place du Louvre from 1783-89, and established independently there from 1788.

Summary

Jean Theodore Namy (c.1755-1808) was a Parisian luthier renowned primarily for his exceptional skill in repairing old instruments, a craft he pursued with rare expertise. Employed initially by Salomon's widow, he later established his own workshop in place du Louvre. Though his own instruments are rare, they are characterized by Stradivarian proportions and fine orange oil varnish. His mastery was notably recognized by L'Abbé Sibire, who lauded him as an outstanding maker and repairer, comparing his work to that of Cremonese masters.