Pierre Simon

History

Pierre SIMON (1808-1881) was born in 1808 in Mirecourt, France. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his death year, with John Dilworth stating 1881 and Henri Poidras and Cecie Stainer indicating 1882. He was a bow maker who began his apprenticeship in Mirecourt. According to John Dilworth, he worked for D. Peccatte in Paris around 1838-1840. Subsequently, he worked for J.-B. Vuillaume, where he made some of the 'self-rehairing' bows, as noted by John Dilworth. Cecie Stainer specifies that he remained with Vuillaume until 1845, when he established his own business. In 1846, he moved his independent establishment to 39 rue Coquillière, having previously been at 13 rue Croix des Petits Champs. Upon D. Peccatte's return to Mirecourt in 1847, Pierre SIMON succeeded to his Paris business, which Cecie Stainer places on the rue d'Angivilliers. From 1848 to 1851, he entered into a partnership with J. Henry, during which their individual work was invariably branded SIMON. After this partnership, he worked alone from 1851 at 179 rue Saint Honoré. John Dilworth notes that Millant suggests Pierre SIMON was living in Mirecourt between 1852 and 1878, though he was certainly working in Paris in the rue St-Denis at the end of his life, specifically around 1878 at 232 rue Saint-Denis. Cecie Stainer also mentions a later move to rue Saint-Denis, passage Lemoine. He died in the Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Marne.

Craft

• Workmanship: Pierre SIMON was regarded as a very fine, elegant, and versatile craftsman, producing most excellent bows, according to John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer.
• Characteristics: His bows generally featured round sticks, ranging in color from brown to dark red-brown.
• Specialization: While working for J.-B. Vuillaume, he made some of the 'self-rehairing' bows.

Influence

• Apprenticeship: He received his initial training through an apprenticeship in Mirecourt.
• Mentorship: He worked for D. Peccatte in Paris around 1838-1840 and later for J.-B. Vuillaume.
• Succession: In 1847, he succeeded D. Peccatte's business in Paris.

Legacy

• Reputation: His bows are highly regarded and 'very much liked,' as stated by Henri Poidras.
• Partnership: He formed a notable partnership with J. Henry from 1848 to 1851.

Further Information

• Branding: His bows were typically branded 'SIMON, PARIS' near the nut, as noted by Millant/Raffin and Cecie Stainer.
• Workshop Locations: He operated independently at 13 rue Croix des Petits Champs, then 39 rue Coquillière (from 1846), 179 rue Saint Honoré (from 1851), and around 1878 at 232 rue Saint-Denis.

Summary

Pierre SIMON (1808-1881/1882) was a distinguished French bow maker born in Mirecourt. After an apprenticeship in his hometown, he worked for D. Peccatte and J.-B. Vuillaume in Paris, notably crafting 'self-rehairing' bows for the latter. He established his own business in 1845 and succeeded D. Peccatte's Parisian enterprise in 1847. He partnered with J. Henry from 1848 to 1851, branding their work 'SIMON, PARIS.' Known for his elegant and versatile craftsmanship, his bows typically featured round sticks and a brown to dark red-brown color. He operated from various addresses in Paris, including 13 rue Croix des Petits Champs, 39 rue Coquillière, 179 rue Saint Honoré, and 232 rue Saint-Denis, before his death in Neuilly-sur-Marne.