George (I) Gemunder

History

George (I) Gemunder (1816-1899) was born in 1816 in Ingelfingen, Baden-Württemberg, and passed away in 1899. He apprenticed with J. B. Vuillaume in Paris. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his emigration to America; John Dilworth states he emigrated in 1847, while Cecie Stainer and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff indicate 1849. He initially joined his brother August in Boston, and the two worked together until 1852. George (I) Gemunder then established himself in New York City, later moving to Astoria, New York State, in 1874. After suffering a stroke in 1889, his sons took over his work. He was widely known as America's greatest maker, a reputation supported by numerous accolades. He was awarded prizes and medals at the London exhibitions of 1851, 1884, and 1885, Paris in 1867, New York in 1870, Vienna in 1873, Philadelphia in 1876, Amsterdam in 1883, Nice in 1883-4, and New Orleans in 1885. He was also the author of Progress in Violin Making, published in 1881 according to John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer, or as a brochure in 1883 according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Craft

• Craftsmanship: George (I) Gemunder was an extremely skillful craftsman and copyist, working on most classical models.
• Notable Work: A violin he entered in the Vienna exhibition of 1873 was mistaken for an original Guarneri del Gesù violin, which ironically prevented it from receiving a prize.
• Materials: He made extensive and highly successful use of native American wood, including both pine and maples.
• Product Range: Instruments were available in several grades, related to the model and finish, with 'antiqued' work charged extra.

Influence

• Apprenticeship: George (I) Gemunder was a pupil of J. B. Vuillaume in Paris.
• Early Training: According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, he also learned from his father, Joh. G.

Legacy

• Awards and Recognition: He received numerous prizes and medals at international exhibitions, including London (1851, 1884, 1885), Paris (1867), New York (1870), Vienna (1873), Philadelphia (1876), Amsterdam (1883), Nice (1883-4), and New Orleans (1885).
• Publications: He authored Progress in Violin Making, published in 1881 or 1883.
• Family Continuity: After he was disabled by a stroke in 1889, his sons continued his work.

Further Information

• Relocation: George (I) Gemunder moved to Astoria, New York State, in 1874.
• Publications: He published George Gemunder's Progress in Violin Making in 1881, or a brochure by the same name in 1883.
• Materials: He was known for his extensive and successful use of native American pine and maple woods.
• Pricing Structure: 'Antiqued' work on his instruments was charged as an extra cost.

Summary

George (I) Gemunder (1816-1899) was a highly acclaimed American violin maker, known for his exceptional craftsmanship and skill as a copyist. He apprenticed with J. B. Vuillaume and was recognized as America's greatest maker, earning numerous international awards. Gemunder was notable for his successful use of native American woods and authored Progress in Violin Making. His sons continued his work after he suffered a stroke.