The Mirecourt Violin Workshop of Laberte-Humbert Frères – A Brief History

Laberte-Humbert Frères Firm – A Brief History

In 1876, two brothers, Maurice-Emile and Pierre Alexis Auguste Laberte, established the firm “Laberte Humbert frères” in Mirecourt. While steeped in the local violin-making traditions, the focus at first was on the production of “factory” violins, violas and cellos.

It wasn’t until after the turn of the 20th century that Marc Laberte, the son of Pierre, oversaw the expansion of their product line to include higher-quality instruments suitable for intermediate players and advanced players that were crafted at an “Atelier Des Artistes” by noted makers such as Joseph Aubry, Charles Brugere, Camille Poirson and Georges Apparut.

In 1902, Apparut joined the firm and assumed leadership over “artistic” production and remained in that role until 1923. .  

By 1919, the Laberte had grown to roughly 400 workers and was joined by violin maker Fourier Magnié, resulting in the firm changing its name to “Laberte et Magnié” or “L.F.M.” In 1927, the company purchased the highly acclaimed brand “A La Ville de Cremone” from Paul Mangenot.

Although the firm did not survive the ravages of World War II and the ensuing economic upheaval, their tradition lives on at Dolce Violins. We are proud to offer a collection of violins that display the fine workmanship and distinctive tone that are hallmarks of instruments made at Laberte-Humbert. We believe that these instruments make a fine investment for any advanced violinist.