Bernard Ouchard – Bow maker (1925 – 1979)
Bernard Ouchard, regarded as one of France’s preeminent mid-20th century bow makers, followed in the footsteps of his father, Émile Auguste Ouchard, and his grandfather, Émile Francois Ouchard, both famous bow makers. In 1941, Bernard went to Paris, where he learned his craft under the guidance of his father. They worked together until he joined the French army towards the end of WWII. After the war, his father moved to the U.S., but Bernard remained in Paris for a few years. Around 1950, Bernard departed for Geneva to work for Vidoudez, with whom he stayed for over 20 years.
In 1971, Bernard returned to France, where he was appointed professor of bow making at the School of Violin and Bowmaking in Mirecourt. In this position, he was able to help spur a revival of traditional French bow making. Incorporating more classic approaches to bow making (e.g., Tourte and Peccatte) helped to cement his legacy for future generations. Among his many students were highly regarded bow makers Benoit Rolland and Stephane Thomachot. It’s interesting to note that the majority of his bows display the stamp of the Vidoudez company, with only a few labeled “OUCHARD.” Bernard Ouchard died in 1979 in the small town of Vittel, France.
