Nestor Dominique Audinot

History

Nestor Dominique Audinot (1842-1920) was born on December 12, 1842, in Mirecourt and died in 1920 in Paris. He was the son and pupil of Léopold Audinot. From 1863 to 1868, he worked with Sébastian Vuillaume in Paris. In 1868, he established his own shop at 17 Faubourg St Denis. Upon Vuillaume's death in 1875, Nestor Dominique Audinot returned to take over his business at 17 Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle. He retired in 1908, passing the firm to E. Corvisier.

Craft

• Prolific Maker: He was a prolific maker, producing approximately 600 instruments according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, or about 588 instruments during thirty years' work according to Cecie Stainer.
• Quality: His instruments are of consistent quality and reach a high standard of excellence.
• Models: Instruments were made precisely to reliable classical models, most commonly late Guarneri del Gesù.
• Varnish: He applied a fine, even, and transparent orange to red spirit varnish, and according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, he devoted special care to the study of varnish. Cecie Stainer also notes he experimented largely in varnishes.
• Skills: He was a skilled violin maker and a sought-after repairer, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also considers him a capable bow maker.

Influence

• Mentorship: He was the son and pupil of Léopold Audinot.
• Training: He worked with Sébastian Vuillaume in Paris from 1863 to 1868.

Legacy

• Succession: Upon his retirement in 1908, he passed his firm to E. Corvisier.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: He had a shop at 17 Faubourg St Denis and later at 17 Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle.
• Labels: Labels include "Audinot / Luthier / Élève de Vuillaume / Paris. Faubourg St. Denis" and "Audinot / 17 Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle / Année 1899 no. 693" or "N. Audinot, 17, Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle, annee 18—."

Summary

Nestor Dominique Audinot (1842-1920) was a prolific French luthier, son and pupil of Léopold Audinot, who worked with Sébastian Vuillaume before establishing his own successful business in Paris. Known for instruments of consistent quality, often based on Guarneri del Gesù models, and for his fine spirit varnish, he produced around 600 instruments before retiring in 1908.