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Jacques Pierre Francais

Biographies

John Dilworth

FRANÇAIS, Jacques Pierre Born 1923 Paris France d.2004 New York USA. Son of Émile Français, above. Apprenticed to Victor Aubry at Le Havre in 1942. Worked for Apparut in Mirecourt before moving to New York where he spent one year with Rembert Wurlitzer in 1946. Briefly in Paris but returned to New York in 1948 where he remained for the rest of his life. His first workshop was near Radio City Music Hall but in 1950 he moved to 57th Street, near Carnegie Hall, moving once more to 54th Street. An expert and world-renowned connoisseur, he was President of the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers 1987-1989. His private collection of exceptional instruments was left to the Smithsonian Museum. Completed 65 violins, 24 violas, and one cello, but ceased making after 1946.