Georges Mougenot

Life

Georges Mougenot (1843-1937) was born on June 23, 1843, in Mirecourt, Vosges, and passed away in 1937 in Boitsfort, France. He began his apprenticeship with G. Deroux in Mirecourt from 1855. In 1858, Mougenot worked in Liège with his uncle, Victor Jeandel, before moving to Aix-la-Chapelle to work for N. Darche, where he served as head workman from 1864 to 1867. He returned to Liège and, succeeded to Jeandel's business in 1860, then located at 48 rue Souverain Pont. However, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that Mougenot established himself independently in Liège in 1868. He later moved his Liège workshop to Pont d'Ile. In 1875, Mougenot took over the business of Nicolas Vuillaume in Brussels, initially located in the rue Eperonniers, then transferred it to rue St-Jean, and later to Montagne de la Cour. He was appointed luthier to the Brussels Conservatoire. Georges Mougenot retired in 1910, leaving his workshop and business to Maurice Bourguignon.

Characteristics

Workmanship

Georges Mougenot produced superb work, often based on classical Cremonese models, including those of Stradivari and Guarneri.

Models

He also created copies of the 'De Bériot' Maggini violin, noted for their appropriate varnish shades and first-class materials.

Varnish

For his Stradivari patterns, he used a brown-red varnish, and for Guarneri patterns, a golden-red varnish, both contributing to a good tone.

Production

He employed two workmen to construct new violins and violoncellos, with Mougenot himself always completing the instruments, determining thicknesses, and applying the varnish.

Decoration

Occasional examples of his work were painted and decorated.

Markings

Instruments were often branded internally.

Labels

Examples of his printed labels include "G.M. / Georges Mougenot, luthier du / Conservatoire Royal, Bruxelles 1899" and "Georges Mougenot / Bruxelles 1898 Copie du Roi Joseph par / Georges Mougenot luthier du / Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles 1900."

Assistant's Labels

Instruments made by assistants in his workshops were labeled "G.M. / Rue Saint Jean 47 Bruxelles / Made in Belgium."

Influence and legacy

• Apprenticeship: Georges Mougenot was apprenticed to G. Deroux (also referred to as Deroux père) in Mirecourt.
• Mentorship: He worked under N. Darche in Aix-la-Chapelle, serving as his head workman from 1864 to 1867.
• Family Connection: He worked with his uncle, Victor Jeandel, in Liège in 1858 and later succeeded to Jeandel's business.
• Appointments: Georges Mougenot was appointed luthier to the Brussels Conservatoire.
• Awards: He received a silver medal at Paris in 1878, gold medals at Amsterdam in 1883 and Antwerp in 1885, and a diploma of honour at Antwerp in 1894.
• Succession: Upon his retirement in 1910, Maurice Bourguignon took over his workshop and business.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Mougenot's workshops were located at 48 rue Souverain Pont and Pont d'Ile in Liège, and in Brussels at rue Eperonniers, rue St-Jean, and Montagne de la Cour.