H. Émile Blondelet Cello, Paris 1923
The H. Émile Blondelet Cello, Paris 1923, is a fine early-20th-century French instrument bearing the label of the distinguished Mirecourt-born luthier Hugues Émile Blondelet (1875–1928). The label reads “H. Emile Blondelet, Luthier à Paris” and is dated 1923, with the instrument numbered B 616. It also records Blondelet’s prestigious role as “Président du Jury, Hors Concours” at the international competitions in Rio de Janeiro (1922), Ghent (1923), and Barcelona (1923). These details match documented Blondelet labels from this period.
Born in Mirecourt, France, in 1875, Hugues Émile Blondelet joined the renowned Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy (JTL) workshop in 1890 at just fifteen years old. He became co-director of the firm with Alfred Acoulon in 1908. He developed a reputation for finely made instruments, particularly based on Amati and Stradivari models, often finished with rich red oil varnish. In 1923, the same year as this cello's label date, Blondelet was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. He died in Mirecourt in 1928.
With its 1923 Paris label, connection to a key figure of the Mirecourt tradition, and historical association with Blondelet's mature period, this cello is an appealing example of early 20th-century French violin making. Blondelet is documented as having produced cellos as well as violins, violas, and bows, making this instrument particularly interesting to professional players and collectors of historic French instruments.
Key Features:
- Maker: H. Émile Blondelet
- Maker Dates: 1875–1928
- Instrument: Cello
- Year: 1923
- Number: B 616
- Place: Paris, France
- Origin: French
- School: Mirecourt
- Period: Early 20th century
- Mature-period Blondelet instrument
