Charles Maucotel

History

Charles Maucotel (1807-1860)

Charles Maucotel, brother of Charles Adolphe Maucotel, was born on November 1, 1807, in Mirecourt. He commenced his apprenticeship with Bloise Mast (Stainer, Lütgendorff, Dilworth). In 1834, he relocated to Paris, where he worked under the tutelage of Gand (Stainer, Hart, Dilworth). By December 1844, Maucotel had moved to London, initially finding employment with W. Davis at 34, Coventry Street. He subsequently established his own independent business at 8, Rupert Street, Haymarket. From 1851 to 1858, Georges Chanot worked alongside him (Stainer). Maucotel retired from his business in August 1860 and returned to France, a decision that Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests was influenced by persistent ill health.

Craft

• Workmanship: Charles Maucotel was highly regarded as a very capable violin maker ("sehr tüchtiger Geigenmacher," Lütgendorff). His instruments are noted for their excellent workmanship, good tone, and fine varnish (Stainer, Hart). George Hart specifically highlights that his instruments are "strong in wood and carefully modelled."
• Models: He meticulously crafted instruments based on Cremonese models (Dilworth).
• Varnish: His instruments feature fine varnish applied in appropriate colours (Dilworth).
• Label: Examples of his labels include "Carolus Maucotelus / fecit Londini 1852" (Dilworth).

Influence

• Apprenticeship: He received his initial training as an apprentice to Bloise Mast (Stainer, Lütgendorff, Dilworth).
• Mentorship: In Paris, he worked under the guidance of Gand starting in 1834 (Stainer, Hart, Dilworth).
• Employment: Upon moving to London in 1844, he was employed by W. Davis (Stainer, Lütgendorff, Hart, Dilworth).

Further Information

• Workshop Location: After his employment with W. Davis, Charles Maucotel established his own workshop at 8, Rupert Street, Haymarket, London (Stainer, Hart).
• Collaborations: Georges Chanot worked in Maucotel's establishment from 1851 to 1858 (Stainer).

Summary

Charles Maucotel (1807-1860) was a distinguished French violin maker, born in Mirecourt. His career began with an apprenticeship under Bloise Mast, followed by work with Gand in Paris. In 1844, he moved to London, where he was initially employed by W. Davis before establishing his own workshop at 8, Rupert Street, Haymarket. Maucotel was renowned for producing excellent instruments, characterized by careful workmanship, good tone, and fine varnish, often crafted on Cremonese models. He retired in 1860 and returned to France.