Claude-Augustin Miremont

History

Claude-Augustin Miremont (1827-1887) was born in Mirecourt, France, in 1827. He moved to Paris in 1844, where he initially worked for various establishments. In 1852, he emigrated to the United States, establishing himself as a violin maker in New York. He returned to Paris in 1861 and opened his own workshop on the Rue du Faubourg-Poissonnière. Claude-Augustin Miremont retired from business on July 15, 1884, first moving to Belleville and subsequently to Pontorson, where he passed away in 1887.

Craft

• Models: Claude-Augustin Miremont produced instruments copying the patterns of Stradivari, Guarneri, Gagliano, and Klotz.
• Workmanship: His instruments are noted for their typically fine French workmanship and finish, made with extreme accuracy by himself alone, without assistance from other workmen.
• Varnish: He commonly used an orange varnish of light consistency, described as 'orangeroth'.
• Instruments: He made several excellent violins and was particularly successful with violoncellos, which featured spirited outlines and F-holes. His instruments are known for their excellent quality of tone.
• Bows: Miremont was also an excellent bow maker, and his bows were branded 'MIREMONT'.
• Experimentation: His attempts to enhance the tone of instruments by inserting a second soundpost were ultimately unsuccessful.
• Labels: His printed labels included text such as 'Expositions universelles de 1853-55-62-67 / Quatre premiers prix. / C. A. Miremont, Breveté S.G.D.G. / A. M. Paris, an 1875 A. Miremont' and 'C. A. Miremont fecit / Parisiis, Anno Dni 1881', as well as 'C. A. Miremont fecit Parisiis, anno Dni. 1882.'

Influence

• Training: Claude-Augustin Miremont was the son and pupil of Sébastien Miremont. He also received training from C. L. Collin, also known as C. N. Collin Mezin, for three years.
• Employment: In Paris, he worked for Lafleur and then for Bernardel until 1852.

Legacy

• Awards: He received numerous awards at various exhibitions, including a first-class medal in New York in 1853, a medal in Paris in 1855, a prize medal in London in 1862, and silver medals in 1867 and 1878.
• Market Value: By the time of Willibald Leo Lütgendorff's writing, his violins were already valued at 600 Marks.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Claude-Augustin Miremont established workshops in New York and later in Paris, at Rue du Faubourg-Poissonnière.
• Retirement Locations: After retiring, he resided first in Belleville and then in Pontorson.

Summary

Claude-Augustin Miremont (1827-1887) was a distinguished French violin and bow maker, trained by his father Sébastien Miremont and C. L. Collin. After working in Paris for Lafleur and Bernardel, he established a workshop in New York in 1852 before returning to Paris in 1861. He was renowned for his fine craftsmanship, producing instruments, particularly violoncellos, that copied patterns from masters like Stradivari and Guarneri, often finished with a light orange varnish. Miremont received multiple awards at international exhibitions in New York, Paris, and London, solidifying his reputation as one of the best Parisian makers of the 19th century.