Paul Bailly

History

Paul Bailly (1844-1907) was born in Mirecourt in 1844 and died in Paris in 1907. He received his initial training in Mirecourt from Jules Gaillard, Prosper Gabasse, and P. G. Grandjon. Subsequently, he worked for François Vuillaume, who sent him to his brother J. B. Vuillaume in Paris, where he remained for several years. In 1869, he was appointed violin maker to the Music Academy in Douai. Throughout his career, he worked successively in various locations including Lille, Douai, Mirecourt, Paris, Brussels, America, Rheims, and London, where he worked for Harry Dykes in Leeds. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, he moved to Paris in 1884 for several years, then relocated his workshop to London, and finally returned to Paris in 1898, establishing himself at 197 Rue de Grénelle. John Dilworth states he moved to Paris in 1899, established at 197 rue de Grenelle. In 1892, he returned to Mirecourt, primarily working for leading Parisian and London firms, and during this period, he also trained many apprentices. Cecie Stainer notes that he was among the exhibitors at the Chicago Exhibition in 1893.

Craft

• Workmanship: Paul Bailly's work was described by John Dilworth as very fine and varied, and by Cecie Stainer as being of good quality, though not showy.
• Models: He was a copyist of classical models, building according to all models, including English ones. His violins were primarily made after the Messiah by Stradivari.
• Cellos: For his cellos, he preferred a large pattern and utilized a beautiful, chestnut-brown oil varnish.
• Tone: The tone of his violins was considered noble and even in all registers, with his work being excellent.
• Experiments: He was known for experiments, initiated by Prof. Wagner in Lisbon, to construct violins entirely from Brazilian Murtaholz.

Influence

• Teachers: Paul Bailly was a pupil of Jules Gaillard, Prosper Gabasse, P. G. Grandjon, and J. B. Vuillaume. He also worked for François Vuillaume.
• Mentorship: During his time in Mirecourt around 1892, he trained many apprentices.

Legacy

• Awards: Paul Bailly received a bronze medal in 1878. By 1900, he possessed more than ten medals, including gold, silver, and bronze, from exhibitions in Paris, Sydney, and Melbourne.
• Exhibitions: He was an exhibitor at the Chicago Exhibition in 1893.

Further Information

• Addresses: Paul Bailly's workshops included 197 rue de Grenelle in Paris and 86 Wardour St. in London, W.
• Collaborations: He worked for leading Parisian and London firms.

Summary

Paul Bailly (1844-1907) was a distinguished French luthier, born in Mirecourt and active in various European cities and America before settling in Paris. He received training from notable makers including Jules Gaillard, Prosper Gabasse, P. G. Grandjon, and J. B. Vuillaume. Known for his fine and varied work, he copied classical models, particularly Stradivari's Messiah for violins, and used a distinctive chestnut-brown oil varnish for his cellos. Bailly's instruments were praised for their noble and even tone. He was an exhibitor at the 1893 Chicago Exhibition and accumulated over ten medals throughout his career.