Sebastien Vuillaume

History

Sebastien VUILLAUME (1835-1875) was born in Mirecourt and died in Paris on November 17, 1875. He was the son of Claude François Vuillaume and the nephew of the celebrated Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. Sebastien Vuillaume established his independent business in Paris from approximately 1867. Nestor Audinot assisted him and later succeeded him in his workshop. According to Cecie Stainer, he was the last maker of this family.

Craft

• Workmanship: Sebastien Vuillaume made a few excellent instruments, though his work could be inconsistent. In his best pieces, he sometimes approached the quality of his uncle, Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, but was never on the same level.
• Models: He produced good classical models.
• Varnish: His instruments often featured a deep red-brown varnish.
• Bows: He was a skilled bow maker, continuing to produce bows on the same pattern as Jean Baptiste Vuillaume. He possessed the machine for cutting bows that J. B. V. had invented shortly before his death. His bows are described as very good and functional.

Influence

• Training: He was the son and pupil of Claude-François Vuillaume.
• Mentorship: He worked for his uncle, Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume.

Legacy

• Awards: Sebastien Vuillaume received a bronze medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1867 and a silver medal at the Havre Exhibition in 1868.
• Succession: His business was assisted and later succeeded by Nestor Audinot.
• Family Lineage: According to Cecie Stainer, he was the last maker of the Vuillaume family.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: Sources contain conflicting information regarding his workshop address. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer state his workshop was at Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle No. 17, while John Dilworth indicates it was at 27 boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle, Paris.
• Label: His labels included "Sebastien Vuillaume à Paris / 27 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle".

Summary

Sebastien VUILLAUME (1835-1875) was a French violin and bow maker, born in Mirecourt and active in Paris. He was the son and pupil of Claude-François Vuillaume and the nephew of the renowned Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, for whom he also worked. Establishing his own workshop around 1867, he produced good classical models with a deep red-brown varnish and very functional bows, sometimes achieving excellent quality. He was awarded a bronze medal in 1867 and a silver medal in 1868, and his business was later succeeded by Nestor Audinot.