Georges Apparut – Violin Maker (1877-1948)

Luthier Georges Apparut (1877-1948) apprenticed under his father, Leon, in his Juraincourt workshop. Apparut further honed his skills while working for Paul Blanchard in Lyons and Mougenot in Brussels. His skills were recognized at the Laberte atelier in Mirecourt, where he served as the head of artistic production. In 1925, Apparut took over Victor Joseph Charotte’s Mirecourt workshop, where he made educating France’s next generation of luthiers as much of a priority as producing high-quality instruments. Notably, Apparut collaborated with René Cune and Paul Hilaire.

Apparut’s instruments have garnered widespread recognition, both during his lifetime and in the modern era. He received gold medals in exhibitions at Nancy, Brussels, Metz, Gand, and Paris, and he became a very popular luthier among star soloists. Apparut’s output of 500 signed instruments showcase his attention to detail and commitment to Italian-style craftsmanship, with an emphasis on Stradivari.