Pierre Simon (1808-1881)
Archetier Pierre Simon (1808-1881) was born into Mirecourt’s bow-making tradition. He apprenticed in his hometown, quickly distinguishing himself both for craftsmanship and an outgoing, if rowdy, personality. In 1838, Simon moved to Paris to work for Dominique Peccatte. However, two years later, Simon moved to Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume’s workshop, where he produced some of the famed “picture bows.” Simon’s style shifted away from Peccatte’s model to favor Vuillaume’s.
When Peccatte moved back to Mirecourt in 1848, he left his Parisian workshop to Simon, apparently unruffled by his former employee’s defection. Simon continued to produce bows for Vuillaume, as well as Gand frères, and he started a partnership with Joseph Henry. The collaboration proved short-lived, only lasting until 1851.
After he broke with Henry, Simon disappeared from the historical record until 1875. He may have moved back to Mirecourt, but it is not clear. In later life, Simon’s bows started to dip in quality, becoming heavier and harder to use, but he still produced many fine bows throughout his career.
