Charles Mennegand

History

Charles Mennegand (1822-1885) was born on June 19, 1822, in Nancy and passed away on January 9, 1885, in Villers-Cotterets, France, as detailed by Cecie Stainer and John Dilworth. He received his initial training in Mirecourt, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, John Dilworth, and Cecie Stainer. In 1840, Mennegand moved to Paris and began working as an assistant for Rambaux, where he remained for five years until 1845, acquiring exceptional skill in the repair of old instruments, according to Lütgendorff, Dilworth, and Stainer. From 1851 to 1852, he worked with Maucotel. Following this, in 1852, he established his own workshop in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he worked diligently, producing numerous violins, violas, and violoncellos, as stated by Lütgendorff and Stainer. In 1857, Mennegand returned to Paris, settling at 26, Rue de Trévise. After his return to Paris, he primarily focused on making violoncellos, which became highly sought after, according to Lütgendorff and Stainer.

Craft

• Instrument Making: Charles Mennegand produced a significant number of violins, violas, and violoncellos, particularly during his time in Amsterdam, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer. After returning to Paris, his work predominantly focused on violoncellos, which are considered among the best of his era.
• Repair and Restoration: He was highly distinguished as both a maker and a repairer of instruments, gaining exceptional skill in the repair of old instruments during his tenure with Rambaux, according to George Hart and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. John Dilworth also highlights his fine reputation for repair and restoration work in Paris.
• Controversial "Cutting" Practice: George Hart discusses Mennegand's singular ability in the delicate and difficult task of "cutting" large Italian violoncellos and tenors to reduce their dimensions. Hart, quoting Charles Reade, describes this practice as "cutting in the statutory sense, viz., cutting and maiming," and laments the damage inflicted by such operations, comparing unskilled operators to Borgis, the diamond-cutter who was fined for his imperfect performance on the Koh-i-nor.
• Models: John Dilworth notes that Mennegand primarily used Stradivari models for his instruments.
• Labeling: His instruments were signed internally with 'C. Mennegand' and featured printed labels such as "Mennégand / Luthier / 26 rue de Trévise, Paris / 1867 C. Mennégand luthier / 26, rue de Trévise, / Paris 1877," as detailed by John Dilworth. Some of his labels also proudly bore the inscription "Élève de Rambaux," signifying his training, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer.

Influence

• Apprenticeship: Charles Mennegand began his training with an apprenticeship in Mirecourt, as stated by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, John Dilworth, and Cecie Stainer.
• Mentorship under Rambaux: He worked as an assistant for Rambaux in Paris from 1840 to 1845, where he developed his exceptional skills in instrument repair, according to Lütgendorff, Dilworth, and Stainer. He often referred to himself as "Élève de Rambaux" on his labels, acknowledging his teacher's influence.
• Work with Maucotel: From 1851 to 1852, Mennegand further honed his craft by working with Maucotel, as reported by Lütgendorff, Dilworth, and Stainer.

Legacy

• Awards: Charles Mennegand received several accolades throughout his career. He was awarded a medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1867, as mentioned by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. Cecie Stainer provides more detail, noting a medal of the 2nd class in Paris in 1855, and bronze medals in both 1867 and 1878. John Dilworth confirms medals awarded at several competitions in France.
• Reputation: He was highly regarded for his skill in both making and repairing instruments, particularly for his repair and restoration work in Paris, for which he held a fine reputation, according to John Dilworth. His violoncellos made after his return to Paris are considered among the best work of the time and are highly sought after, as noted by Lütgendorff and Stainer.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Charles Mennegand established his independent workshop in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from 1852 to 1857. Upon his return to Paris in 1857, he settled at 26, Rue de Trévise, an address that also appeared on his printed labels.
• Label Inscriptions: His instruments featured printed labels with inscriptions such as "Mennégand / Luthier / 26 rue de Trévise, Paris / 1867 C. Mennégand luthier / 26, rue de Trévise, / Paris 1877," as documented by John Dilworth. Some labels also included the phrase "Élève de Rambaux."

Summary

Charles Mennegand (1822-1885) was a distinguished French luthier, born in Nancy and trained in Mirecourt. He gained significant experience in Paris, working with Rambaux from 1840 to 1845 and later with Maucotel. After establishing an independent workshop in Amsterdam from 1852 to 1857, where he produced numerous instruments, he returned to Paris in 1857, settling at 26, Rue de Trévise. Mennegand was highly regarded for his exceptional skill in both instrument making and repair, particularly for his violoncellos and his controversial practice of "cutting" larger Italian instruments. He received several medals, including those in Paris in 1855, 1867, and 1878, and his instruments often bore labels acknowledging his training under Rambaux.