Joseph Rene Lafleur

History

Joseph Rene Lafleur (1812-1874) was born on July 8, 1812, in Paris, France, and died on February 19, 1874, in Maisons Lafitte. He was the son and successor of Jacques Lafleur. Joseph Rene Lafleur was active as a bowmaker from approximately 1830. From about 1833, he was employed by Lupot. He established himself independently at 9 rue de Petit Carreau, and from 1849, at 2 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle. According to Cecie Stainer, he was living in the rue de la Cite in 1835, likely having moved there from rue de la Juiverie after his father's death. He apparently retired around 1865. His brother went to London, where he was still living in 1824.

Craft

• Bowmaking Style: He worked in the style of his master, Lupot, characterized by low plain frogs.
• Innovation: He produced some eccentric and innovative work, including bows with laminated and reinforced sticks.
• Quality: He also created many conventional and beautiful bows, noted for their excellent wood and fine playing qualities.
• Comparison: His bows rival those of François Tourte, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted his significance as a bowmaker, placing him close to Tourte.
• Branding: His bows were branded "LAFLEUR" according to Millant/Raffin.
• Notable Works: Several beautiful bows by him, including interesting experimental pieces, are preserved in the Museum of the Paris Conservatoire.

Influence

• Mentorship: He was a pupil of his father, Jacques Lafleur.
• Stylistic Influence: He worked in the style of Lupot, by whom he was employed from approximately 1833.
• Associates: He may briefly have employed F. Peccatte.

Legacy

• Museum Collections: Several of his beautiful bows, including interesting experimental pieces, are preserved in the Museum of the Paris Conservatoire.
• Business Expansion: Since about 1840, the Lafleur firm, established in the boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle, added a music-publishing business to its instrument making activities.

Further Information

• Addresses: He was independently established at 9 rue de Petit Carreau, and from 1849, at 2 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle. In 1835, he was living in the rue de la Cite, likely having moved from rue de la Juiverie. The Lafleur firm was established in the boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle près de la porte Saint-Denis.
• Other Professions: He was originally a violinist and later became a music publisher.

Summary

Joseph Rene Lafleur (1812-1874) was a significant French bowmaker, son and successor of Jacques Lafleur. He was employed by Lupot and later established his own workshop in Paris, producing both innovative and conventional bows of high quality, some of which are preserved in the Paris Conservatoire Museum. His work was compared favorably to that of François Tourte, and his firm also expanded into music publishing.