Nicolas Emile Cherpitel

History

Nicolas Emile Cherpitel (1841-1893) was born on June 24, 1841, in Mirecourt, France, and passed away in February 1893 in Paris. After completing his apprenticeship in his hometown, he worked under Grandjon. In 1859, he moved to Paris to work for Gand Brothers, where he remained until 1870. Following this, Cherpitel established his own workshop in 1870 at 364, rue St-Denis. In 1884, he relocated his business to the Faubourg Poissonière. Sources contain conflicting information regarding the exact address, with John Dilworth stating 16, rue du Faubourg Poissonière, while Cecie Stainer indicates 13, rue du faubourg Poissonniere.

Craft

• Workmanship: Instruments by Nicolas Emile Cherpitel are noted for their clever work, as described by Cecie Stainer. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that he worked 'gediegen' (solidly/thoroughly).
• Model and Varnish: John Dilworth highlights his fine Stradivari model instruments, characterized by a good red oil varnish. Lütgendorff also mentions that he had a good varnish.

Influence

• Mentorship: Nicolas Emile Cherpitel was a pupil of Grandjon.
• Employment: He worked for Gand Brothers in Paris from 1859 until 1870.

Legacy

• Awards: Nicolas Emile Cherpitel received medals at the Paris Exhibition in 1878, as noted by John Dilworth. Cecie Stainer specifies that he received a 'Mention honorable' at the Paris Exhibition in 1878 for his instruments. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff generally states that he received awards at all exhibitions he participated in.
• Business Continuation: Sources contain conflicting information regarding the continuation of his business after his death. John Dilworth states that the business continued under his nephew C. Moinel until 1899. In contrast, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff reports that his widow, along with her nephew Ch. Moinel, continued the business until 1892.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Nicolas Emile Cherpitel's first independent workshop was located at 364, rue St-Denis. He later moved his shop to the Faubourg Poissonière in 1884, with sources providing conflicting addresses of 16, rue du Faubourg Poissonière (Dilworth) and 13, rue du faubourg Poissonniere (Stainer).
• Label: His instruments feature a printed label that reads: 'Nicolas Émile Cherpitel à Paris / 16 Faubourg Poissonière / N.E.C. Nicolas Émile Cherpitel / Rue St-Denis Paris Anno 18..'