J. A. Lapaix

History

J. A. Lapaix (circa 1838-1859) was a luthier who worked in Lille, France. From 1840 to 1855, he made various attempts to improve upon the usual violin pattern, often creating instruments of an exaggerated and experimental character. According to Cecie Stainer, his first instrument, dated "1840, No. 1," was particularly exaggerated. He received a medal from the Society for the Encouragement of National Industries in 1848, and his instruments' merit was noted by the Imperial Society of Lille in 1852. He also obtained a medal of the 2nd class at the Paris Exhibition in 1855.

Craft

• Experimental Construction: J. A. Lapaix experimented with cutting the sides of his instruments from a single piece of wood, which was hollowed out and carved into the usual shape, reducing the number of joined pieces from twenty-four to six, as noted by Cecie Stainer.
• Eccentric Designs: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes his violins as having ribs, linings, and blocks made from a single piece, lacking corners, and featuring two soundposts, with the D-string replaced by a silk cord.
• Personal Models: John Dilworth notes that Lapaix created personal models, some of which were quite eccentric and excessively experimental.
• Labeling: His instruments bore labels such as "Fait par Lapaix / Luthier à Lille en 1843 / Breveté," according to John Dilworth.

Legacy

• Awards: J. A. Lapaix was recognized with a medal by the Society for the Encouragement of National Industries in 1848, and the Imperial Society of Lille noted the merit of his instruments in 1852.
• Exhibition Recognition: He received a medal of the 2nd class at the Paris Exhibition in 1855.
• Preserved Works: Examples of his experimental violins, specifically numbers 548 and 549, are held in the Snoeck collection, as mentioned by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Further Information

• Working Location: J. A. Lapaix worked in Lille (Nord, France).
• Early Work: His first documented instrument is dated "1840, No. 1," according to Cecie Stainer.
• Known Label: A typical label found on his instruments reads "Fait par Lapaix / Luthier à Lille en 1843 / Breveté," as cited by John Dilworth.

Summary

J. A. Lapaix was an experimental luthier active in Lille, France, from approximately 1838 to 1859. He was known for his attempts to improve the violin, often creating instruments with exaggerated and eccentric designs, such as those with sides carved from a single piece of wood, lacking corners, or featuring two soundposts. Despite some of his unconventional methods, he received several accolades, including a medal from the Society for the Encouragement of National Industries in 1848 and a 2nd class medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1855. Examples of his unique instruments are preserved in the Snoeck collection.