France School
Charles (II) Simonin
Mirecourt, Toulouse, c.1815–1880
Charles (II) SIMONIN (1815-c.1880) was a French luthier born in Mirecourt. He trained under J. B. Vuillaume in Paris before establishing his own workshop in Geneva in 1841 and later relocating to Toulouse in 1849. Known for instruments made on the Guarnerius model, often with reddish varnish, he received an 'Honourable mention' at the 1855 Paris Exhibition and other awards.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Bearing the maker's brand internally and to the button, one-piece back, back and head worm | November 2024 | £686 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm 1840 c. | June 2010 | £570 |
| Violin | 36.2 cm Toulouse, 1850 c. | December 2008 | £505 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm late 19th C. [Attributed to] | May 2008 | £2,095 |
| Violin | Toulouse, 1853 | December 2005 | £798 |
| Violin | 1840 | December 2003 | £1,650 |
| Violin | 1840 | November 2001 | £1,495 |
| Violin | 1850 | December 2000 | £1,326 |
| Violin | 1840 c. | March 1999 | £1,700 |
| Violin | 1840 c. | March 1995 | £4,600 |
| Violin | 1846 | March 1987 | £935 |
| Violin | 18-- | November 1985 | £756 |
Maker Overview
Life
Charles (II) SIMONIN (1815-c.1880) was born in Mirecourt, France, in 1815. He served as an apprentice and assistant to J. B. Vuillaume in Paris, becoming, one of his most able workmen. After his marriage, he briefly returned to work in Mirecourt. In 1841, he established his independent business in Geneva, where he remained for eight years. In September 1849, he relocated to Toulouse, France, where he continued his work. Charles (II) SIMONIN received an 'Honourable mention' at the Paris Exhibition in 1855, where he presented various instruments, including a copy of Giuseppe Guarneri noted for its remarkable tone, as detailed by Cecie Stainer. He subsequently obtained various awards at other exhibitions.
Characteristics
- Models
- Charles (II) SIMONIN worked after the Guarnerius model, and Cecie Stainer. John Dilworth also notes that he produced some double-purfled models in the style of Vuillaume.
- Varnish
- The varnish he used was typically of a reddish color.
- Workmanship & Materials
- Henri Poidras describes his workmanship as good, though the woods were not always well selected. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff similarly states that the wood was good, even if not always particularly beautiful.
- Branding & Labels
- Instruments by Charles (II) SIMONIN were branded 'S.C.' and featured printed labels. Examples include 'Charles Simonin / à Mirecourt', 'Réparé par Ch. Simonin / Luthier à Toulouse / élève de M. Veuillaume (sic) de Paris', and 'Ch Simonin, luthier à Toulouse 1877', as documented by John Dilworth.
- Charles Simonin
à Mirecourt Réparé par Ch. Simonin
Luthier à Toulouse
élève de M. Veuillaume (sic) de Paris Ch Simonin, luthier à Toulouse 1877John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: Charles (II) SIMONIN was a pupil of J.-B. Vuillaume, as confirmed by Henri Poidras, George Hart, John Dilworth, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, and Cecie Stainer. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff further describes him as one of Vuillaume's most skilled assistants.
- Awards: He received an 'Honourable mention' at the Paris Exhibition in 1855 and obtained various awards at other exhibitions, and Cecie Stainer.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
SIMONIN, Charles (II) Born 1815 Mirecourt, d.c.1880 Toulouse France. Apprentice and assistant of J. B. Vuillaume in Paris. Established independently in Geneva 1841. Moved to Toulouse 1849. Honourable mention in the Paris Exposition 1855. Guarneri model. Some double-purfled models also, in the style of Vuillaume. Branded: ‘S.C.’. Printed labels: Charles Simonin / à Mirecourt Réparé par Ch. Simonin / Luthier à Toulouse / élève de M. Veuillaume (sic) de Paris Ch Simonin, luthier à Toulouse 1877
Cecie Stainer+
b. at Mirecourt. Was apprenticed to J. B Vuillaume at Paris, and became one of his most able workmen. He then married and returned for a short time to Mirecourt. In 1841 he settled in Geneva, remaining there for eight years; he left, Sept., 1849, to establish himself in Toulouse. He sent various instruments to the Paris Exhibition in 1855, amongst others a copy of Giuseppe Guarneri of remarkable tone; he obtained a ” Mention honorable.” Since then he has obtained various awards at other exhibitions.
George Hart+
Pupil of J. B. Vuillaume.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Schüler von J. B. Vuillaume und später einer von dessen geschicktesten Gehilfen. Nachdem er sich verheirathet hatte, arbeitete er eine Zeit lang für sich in Mirecourt, begründete 1841 sein Geschäft in Genf und siedelte 1849 im September nach Toulouse über. Er gehört zu den besseren Mirecourtern arbeitete u. A. nach Gius. Guarneri und wurde auf allen von ihm beschickten Ausstellungen ausgezeichnet. Der Lack ist gewöhnlich von röthlicher Farbe, das Holz gut, wenn auch nicht immer besonders schön.
Henri Poidras+
Geneva 1840. Pupil of J.-B. Vuillaume. In later years he established himself at Toulouse. Guarnerius model. Red varnish. Good workmanship, but the woods are not always well selected.
Sell your instrument with Amati
Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.
Sell your instrument with Amati
Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.
Working in Mirecourt at the same time
(Persoit) Jean Pierre Marie Persois worked 1809–1854
A. Blondelet worked 1850–1865
Aimable Antoine Thouvenel 1815–1890
Alexandre Delanoy 1850–1928
Alexandre Paverot worked 1820
Alexis Gand b. 1797
Alfred Joseph Lamy 1850–1919
Amable Chevrier 1823–1916