Joseph Maurice Somny

SOMNY, Joseph Maurice b. Mirecourt France, Worked from 1888, died 1931 London UK. Son and pupil of J. Somny-Ouchard, below. Worked for W. E. Hill & Sons at Hanwell 1888-1910. Established independently in Boston Road, Hanwell 1911 and later George Street, London. Extremely fine craftsman, but his output is uneven. (Henley suggests this was due to poor health). Copies of Cremonese models with some eccentricities. Hard plain yellow varnish, some better examples with orange tint. Manuscript label: Made by / J. M. Somny / Hanwell, London, 1912 Made by / J. M. Somny / 90 George Str. Baker St. / London. W. 1914

Contemporary maker born at Mirecourt (Vosges) France. Eldest son and pupil of E. Somny- Ouchard.. Established at Hanwell since 1911, he had previously been working for twenty-three years in the workshops of Messrs. HILL and SONS of London. This is a first class testimony and his works after the old Italian masters are greatly esteemed. He uses an orange-red varnish. His instruments are signed and bear a manuscript label.