Jean Theodore Namy

Paris, d. 1808

Jean Theodore Namy (c.1755-1808) was a Parisian luthier renowned primarily for his exceptional skill in repairing old instruments, a craft he pursued with rare expertise. Employed initially by Salomon's widow, he later established his own workshop in place du Louvre. Though his own instruments are rare, they are characterized by Stradivarian proportions and fine orange oil varnish. His mastery was notably recognized by L'Abbé Sibire, who lauded him as an outstanding maker and repairer, comparing his work to that of Cremonese masters.

Worked Paris

Maker Overview

Life

Jean Theodore Namy (c.1755-1808) worked from approximately 1755 and died in 1808 in Paris, France. He was employed by Salomon's widow from 1772, and by 1788, he had established himself independently in place du Louvre. L'Abbé Sibire, in La Chelenomie, named him as an outstanding repairer, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that Sibire praised him in 1806 as the very best violin maker he knew. Cecie Stainer also notes he worked in Paris about 1755-1807 and was especially known for his clever way of restoring old instruments, showing rare skill even in the smallest details.

Characteristics

Work Characteristics: His own work is rare, but generally exhibits Stradivarian proportions with a very fine orange oil varnish, and a particularly delicately cut scroll.
Repair Expertise: He made repairing his main focus, understanding it like no other, and his few existing violins show exemplary work.
Branding and Labels: Instruments are branded on the upper back with 'J.T.N.' One of his violins bears the label: "Fait par Namy, luthier chez Madame Salomon a Paris, 1772," as cited by Cecie Stainer.

Recorded labels

Branded on upper back: ‘J.T.N.’ Fait par Namy, Luthier Chez
Madame Salomon A Paris 1775John Dilworth

Influence and legacy

Employment: He was employed by Salomon's widow from 1772.
Recognition: L'Abbé Sibire praised him in 1806, stating, "Je dis tout d'un coup: Voilà du Namy, comme je dirais: Voila du Crémone!" (I say all at once: That's a Namy, as I would say: That's a Cremona!).
Historical Acclaim: Despite the rarity of his own instruments, his reputation as an outstanding repairer was cemented by L'Abbé Sibire's high praise, comparing his work to that of Cremona masters.

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Biographies

The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:

John Dilworth+

NAMY, Jean Théodore Worked from c.1755, died 1808 Paris France. Employed by Salomon’s widow from 1772. Established independently in place du Louvre from 1788. Named by L’Abbé Sibire in La Chelenomie as an outstanding repairer. His own work is rare, but generally of Stradivarian proportions with a very fine orange oil varnish, and a particularly delicately cut scroll. Branded on upper back: ‘J.T.N.’ Fait par Namy, Luthier Chez / Madame Salomon A Paris 1775

Cecie Stainer+

Worked in Paris about 1755-1807, Was especially known for the clever way in which he restored old instruments, showing rare skill even in the smallest details.
First worked in the business carried on by the widow of Salomon, for in one of his violins is the label: ” Fait par Namy, luthier chez Madame Salomon a Paris, 1772.” He lived in the place du Louvre, 1783-89.

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+

Seit 1772 arbeitete er bei der Wittwe Salomon und wohnte 1788 Place du
Louvre. Da er das Repariren, das er wie kein Anderer verstand, zur Hauptsache
gemacht hat, kommen nur ganz wenige Geigen von ihm vor, die jedoch
musterhafte Arbeit zeigen. Er wäre vielleicht jetzt trotzdem vergessen, wenn
nicht der feine Kenner Abbé Sibire ihn 1806 als den allerbesten Geigenmacher,
den er kenne, gepriesen hatte. Er schliesst sein Loblied mit den Worten: »Je dis tout d’un
coup: Voilà du Namy, comme je dirais: Voila du Crémone!«

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