Charles Adolphe Gand

History

Charles Adolphe Gand (1812-1866) was born in Paris, France, on December 11, 1812, the son and pupil of Charles François Gand. He became active from about 1830 and succeeded to his father's business in 1845. From 1855, he worked with his brother Eugène as 'Gand Frères'. He died on January 24, 1866.

Craft

• Expertise: Renowned as an expert connoisseur and restorer of classical instruments, according to John Dilworth.
• Production: He produced relatively few new instruments himself, as noted by Cecie Stainer, due to his focus on restoration.
• Workmanship: His instruments show excellent work on the Stradivari model, very finely and accurately finished, bearing a fairly soft orange varnish, according to John Dilworth. Cecie Stainer also states that his few new instruments show good and sound workmanship.
• Bows: Fine bows were branded: GAND FRERES A PARIS Adolphe Gand fils.

Influence

• Training: He was the son and pupil of Charles François Gand, as stated by John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer.

Legacy

• Awards: He received first prize at the 1855 Paris Exhibition with his brother as 'Gand Frères'. He was made Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur on August 19, 1862.
• Appointments: He was appointed 'Luthier de la musique du Roi et du Conservatoire de Musique,' and later 'de la chapelle de l'Empereur,' serving as Luthier to the Paris Opera and to the Emperor.
• Partnership: His brother, C. N. Eugene Gand, became his partner in 1855, forming the firm 'Gand Frères' which maintained a high reputation until 1866.

Further Information

• Labels: His labels include: 'Gand, Luthier de la Musique du Roi / et du Conservatoire de Musique / rue Croix-des-Petits-Champs. Paris 18.. / 1845-1848. A.G.'; 'Gand. luthier du Conservatoire de Musique / rue Croix-des-Petits-Champs, No. 20, Paris, 1854. A. G.'; and 'Gand freres, luthiers de la musique de l'Empereur / et du Conservatoire Imperial de Musique / No.. Paris. 1855 a 1866.'

Summary

Charles Adolphe Gand (1812-1866) was a prominent French luthier, born in Paris, the son and pupil of Charles François Gand. He succeeded his father's business in 1845 and later partnered with his brother Eugène to form 'Gand Frères' in 1855. Renowned as an expert connoisseur and restorer of classical instruments, he produced relatively few new instruments, but those he made were of excellent quality, often on the Stradivari model. He received first prize at the 1855 Paris Exhibition and was made Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur in 1862, serving as luthier to the Emperor and the Conservatoire de Musique.