Lucien Schmitt

History

Lucien SCHMITT (1892-after 1949). Sources contain conflicting information regarding his birthplace; he was born in 1892 either in Geneva, Switzerland, according to John Dilworth's The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, or at Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, as stated by Henri Poidras in Critical & Documentary Dictionary Of Violin Makers Old & Modern. He died after 1949 in Maylan, France. Schmitt initially pursued a career as a violinist, studying at the Geneva Conservatoire or the Ecole Artistique de Musique at Geneva, where he earned a first prize with commendations from examiners. He subsequently trained as a luthier for two years in Mirecourt with Mougenot, or Mougenot-Jacquet-Gand, and received instruction in bow making from Bazin. His professional experience included working for Vidoudez in Geneva, Lorange in Lyons, Madame Bovis in Nice, and for Caressa and Français in Paris. During World War I, he served as a soldier, was wounded, and received several decorations. Schmitt established his independent workshop in Grenoble from 1922, later relocating to Meylan in 1941. In his later years, he was assisted by his son, Jean Frédéric Schmitt, who was born in 1937.

Craft

• Models: Lucien Schmitt developed three distinct models: two were derived from the patterns of Amati and Guarneri respectively, while the third was entirely his personal creation. These models were titled 'Modèle Normal', 'Modèle de Soloiste', and 'Mieulx ne Sçay'.
• Design Preference: After initially copying Amati, he later favored the Guarnerius model, noting its more powerful tone.
• Construction: He crafted instrument backs entirely in one-piece.
• Varnish: Schmitt utilized a gold-red oil varnish, which he applied either equably or in graded thicknesses.
• Workmanship: His instruments are noted for their fine workmanship.
• Branding: Instruments were branded internally and in the pegbox with 'L.S.' and inscribed with 'Lucien Schmitt / Luthier à Grenoble 19.. 1949 Instrument dessiné et entièrement exécuté par / Lucien Schmitt / no.120 / Violonier d'Art à Grenoble'.

Influence

• Luthier Training: He trained for two years in Mirecourt with Mougenot, also referred to as Mougenot-Jacquet-Gand.
• Bow Making: His bow making skills were developed under the tutelage of Bazin.
• Restoration: He was admitted into the workshops of Vidoudez in Geneva to learn the art of instrument restoration.

Legacy

• Family Involvement: In his later career, Lucien Schmitt was assisted by his son, Jean Frédéric Schmitt, who was born in 1937.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Lucien Schmitt established his independent workshop in Grenoble from 1922, subsequently moving to Meylan in 1941.
• Professional Engagements: Prior to establishing his own workshop, he worked for Vidoudez in Geneva, Lorange in Lyons, Madame Bovis in Nice, and for Caressa and Français in Paris.

Summary

Lucien Schmitt (1892-after 1949) was a distinguished luthier who initially trained as a violinist before dedicating himself to instrument making. He studied with Mougenot in Mirecourt and Bazin for bow making, gaining further experience with prominent workshops in Geneva, Lyons, Nice, and Paris. After serving in World War I, he established his own workshop in Grenoble in 1922, later moving to Meylan. Schmitt developed three distinct models, including personal designs and those inspired by Amati and Guarneri, and was known for his fine workmanship, one-piece backs, and gold-red oil varnish. His son, Jean Frédéric Schmitt, assisted him in later years.