Nicolas Perou

History

Nicolas Perou (circa 1775-1790) was a luthier who worked in Paris, France. According to Cecie Stainer's A Dictionary of Violin Makers, he resided at various addresses: rue de l'Arbre-sec from 1775 to 1779, rue Mauconseil in 1783, place de la Comedie francaise in 1785, and rue Richelieu pres la Comedie francaise from 1787 to 1789. John Dilworth's The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers confirms these locations and extends his presence on rue Richelieu until 1790. Perou was appointed maker to the Duchess of Orleans, as noted by Stainer. He was also known for making the "Spanish lyre" invented by the Abbe de Morlane.

Craft

• Workmanship: His instruments are described as fairly well made, though John Dilworth notes they were "not perfectly finished."
• Varnish: Instruments typically feature a yellow-brown varnish.
• Pattern: His violins often recall the Gagliano pattern or model.
• Instruments: Nicolas Perou produced a variety of instruments, including violins, basses, lutes, theorbos, and other bowed and plucked instruments. A cittern made by him is housed in the Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels.
• Branding & Labels: He branded his instruments with 'Perou'. One of his violin labels, dated 1790, read: "Peron, luthier de S.A.R. madame la Duchesse d'Orleans rue Richelieu pros la Comedie francaise, 1790, Paris." Another label on a cittern in the Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels, states: "Perou, luthier de Mme / la Duchesse d'Orléans, Paris, 1787, rue Richelieu près de la Comédie Française."

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Nicolas Perou's workshops were located at rue de l'Arbre-sec (1775-1779), rue Mauconseil (1783), place de la Comedie francaise (1785), and rue Richelieu (1787-1790) in Paris.
• Museum Holdings: The Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels holds a cittern made by Nicolas Perou, dated 1787.

Summary

Nicolas Perou was a Parisian luthier active from approximately 1775 to 1790, known for his work on rue Richelieu and his appointment as maker to the Duchess of Orleans. His instruments, which included violins, basses, lutes, and citterns, were generally well-made with a characteristic yellow-brown varnish and often followed the Gagliano pattern.