Elophe Poirson
Auction price history
Highest auction price
£9,525
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label n. 225 and signature to the back, fair condition | December 2024 | £6,731 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Lyon, 1900 n°185 | December 2010 | £1,553 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Lyon, 1907 | June 2010 | £7,767 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1909 c. [Attributed to] | May 2009 | £3,106 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1896 | March 2007 | £4,313 |
| Violin | 36.3 cm Paris, 1889 | October 2006 | £2,146 |
| Violin | Lyon, 1886 #32 | November 2005 | £2,526 |
| Violin | Lyon, 1895 #138 | November 2005 | £2,526 |
| Violin | Lyon, 1899 #186 | November 2005 | £1,895 |
| Violin | Lyon, 1905 | June 2005 | £2,374 |
| Violin | Lyon, 1897 | May 2005 | £4,274 |
| Violin | France, 1890 c. [Attributed to] | April 2004 | £1,885 |
| Violin | 1896 | March 2003 | £3,600 |
| Violin | 1897 | November 2001 | £3,450 |
| Violin | 1890 c. | December 1998 | £4,955 |
| Violin | 1890 | May 1998 | £9,525 |
| Violin | 1883 | November 1982 | £1,320 |
Maker Overview
History
Elophe Poirson (1840-1918) was born in 1840 in Landaville and died in 1918 in Lyons, France. He was a telegraph officer and initially pursued violin making as an amateur. According to Cecie Stainer, after receiving a very flattering verdict from Marsick on one of his violins in 1878, he decided to dedicate his full time to the craft. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he was the Chief of the Central-Telephon-Bureaus in Lyon and, in 1900, declined a medal because he was not a professional violin maker.
Craft
- Instrument Count: Sources contain conflicting information regarding the total number of instruments made; John Dilworth states he completed around 300 instruments between 1876 and 1918, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff indicates he had made approximately 200 violins, violas, and cellos.
- Instrument Types: He crafted violins, violas, and cellos.
- Varnish: He developed his own ethereal varnish, which he had been producing since 1898, noting its similarity to Cremonese varnish. He claimed this varnish could significantly improve the tone of new instruments after application.
- Workmanship: His work was of good quality, with Cecie Stainer specifically remarking on a violin's very good quality and beautifully finished workmanship. John Dilworth also describes his work as 'Good quality work.'
- Markings: Some instruments were branded beneath the back button with 'Poirson'. He also used manuscript labels, such as 'Lyon, 1900 / No. 185 Elophe Poirson'.
Legacy
- Awards: He was awarded a bronze medal in Paris in 1889 for instruments he exhibited. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff mentions he received several medals and declined one in 1900.
Further Information
- Workshop Locations: He worked in Paris and Lyon, France.
- Profession: He was a telegraph officer and the Chief of the Central-Telephon-Bureaus in Lyon.
Biographies
John Dilworth
POIRSON, Elophe Born 1840 Landaville, died 1918 Lyons France. Telegraph officer and part-time maker. Completed around 300 instruments (violins, violas and cellos) between 1876 and 1918. Good quality work. Own varnish. Bronze medal Paris 1889. Some instruments branded beneath back button: ‘Poirson’. Manuscript label: Lyon, 1900 / No. 185 Elophe Poirson
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