Charles Georges Brugere

History

Charles Georges Brugere (1865-1930) was born on November 10, 1865, in Mirecourt, France, the son of Charles Joseph Brugère, a guitar maker. He was apprenticed to Etienne Drouin in Mirecourt from 1878 to 1882. Following his apprenticeship, he worked for Paul Blanchard in Lyons for two and a half years, and then for Paul Bailly in Paris for nine months. From December 1885 until 1892, he was employed by Gand & Bernardel in Paris. He served as workshop manager for Eugène Henry from 1892 to 1895, having succeeded Eugène Henry on September 22, 1892, at 151, Rue St. Martin, Paris. In 1895, he established his own business at 11, Faubourg Poissonière. He retired to Mirecourt in 1920, although he continued to perform repair work. He died in 1930.

Craft

• Workmanship: He worked with extreme care, completing only one violin per month, resulting in approximately twelve new instruments annually.
• Production: He made about 250 violins, often copying Stradivari and Amati models, and also produced four double basses, some of which featured lion heads.
• Patterns: He primarily followed the Stradivari pattern.
• Materials & Varnish: He utilized excellent materials and applied a good quality oil varnish, which varied in color from orange-red to golden-brown, or yellow to golden-red.
• Labeling: Only instruments that he completed entirely himself were labeled with his name. Instruments made by his employees were labeled: "Fait dans I’atelier de Charles Brugère Paris 1899".
• Innovation: He successfully improved the tone quality of the double bass through modifications in its construction.
• Numbering: His instruments were consecutively numbered.

Influence

• Apprenticeship: He was apprenticed to Etienne Drouin in Mirecourt from 1878 to 1882.
• Mentorship: He worked as an assistant for Paul Blanchard in Lyons, Paul Bailly in Paris, and Gand & Bernardel in Paris.
• Family Background: His father, Charles Joseph Brugère, was a maker of guitars.

Legacy

• Awards: He was awarded a silver medal for a double quintet exhibited at Lyons in 1894, and received other awards, including one at Paris in 1900.
• Exhibitions: He exhibited at Lyons in 1894 and was well-represented at the Paris Exhibition in 1900.
• Reputation: His violins and violoncellos were reported to possess a powerful and sweet tone, and his double basses were considered equally excellent on all four strings.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: He maintained a workshop at 151, Rue St. Martin, Paris, and later at 11, Faubourg Poissonière, Paris.
• Internal Branding: His instruments were numbered and branded internally.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include: "Charles Brugère / année 1893 / No. 10 / 151 Rue St Martin. Paris.", "Charles Brugère / 11 Rue du Faub: Poissonnière 11 / No. 94. Paris 1900", and "Charles Brugère, Luthier / 11 Fauborg Poissonnière,/ no . 232 Paris An. 1920."

Summary

Charles Georges Brugere (1865-1930) was a distinguished French luthier, born in Mirecourt, whose father was a guitar maker. His extensive training included an apprenticeship with Etienne Drouin and working for notable makers such as Paul Blanchard, Paul Bailly, and Gand & Bernardel, before managing Eugène Henry's workshop. Establishing his own business in Paris in 1895, Brugere was celebrated for his meticulous craftsmanship, producing approximately 250 violins, often copying Stradivari and Amati models, and distinctive double basses, some adorned with lion heads. He was known for using excellent materials and a high-quality oil varnish, and for successfully improving the tone of double basses. His work garnered him significant recognition, including a silver medal at Lyons in 1894 and another award at Paris in 1900. He retired to Mirecourt in 1920, continuing repair work until his death in 1930.