Léon Bernardel (1853–1931) learned violin making under his father, Ernest Auguste Bernardel, and later worked with Derazey before joining the family’s shop, Gand et Bernardel Frères. In 1899, he established his firm, collaborating with his son, Léon (II). Bernardel’s violins are highly celebrated for their rich, warm tone and exceptional projection, a result of his innovative craftsmanship and attention to detail. His instruments remain sought after by musicians and collectors, and his work continues to inspire luthiers to this day.
Léon Bernardel (1853–1931) was born in Paris, France. Bernardel studied violin making under his father, Ernest Auguste Bernardel. Early in his career, he worked with Derazey. He later joined his family’s renowned shop, Gand et Bernardel Frères. In 1899, Léon Bernardel established his firm and collaborated with his son, Léon (II). Bernardel’s violins are celebrated for their warm, rich tonal palette and outstanding projection. His innovative approach to violin construction addressed the instrument’s unique acoustic challenges. As a result, his violins are powerful and expressive, making them popular among both soloists and orchestral players.
Bernardel’s meticulous attention spanned from selecting premium tonewoods to refining the graceful contours and lustrous varnish of each instrument. Throughout his career, he crafted violins treasured by musicians and collectors for their artistry and exceptional playability. Léon Bernardel’s lasting influence continues to energise performers and inspire successive generations of luthiers, who aspire to emulate the craftsmanship and technical mastery exemplified in his legacy.
Check out this Violin Made in Germany Mittenwald dated around 1920. This is one of Animato Strings' largest selections of new and old instruments in Australia including Asian-handcrafted instruments, new European instruments, and a wide range of antique stringed instruments.
Lambert-Humbert Frères firm (fl. 1876 – 1969) was a major violin manufacturer in Mirecourt, offering a wide range of models and quality levels, established in 1876 by violin-making brothers Maurice-Emile and Pierre Alexis Auguste Laberte.
This violin (copy) bears the label 'Andrea Postacchini,' a skilled Italian luthier renowned for crafting high-quality instruments with exceptional tonal quality.
This is the Stainer 4/4 Violin Made in Germany. Jacob Stainer was an Austrian luthier whose violins are being sought after by famous composers and musicians like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, and George Somon-Lohein. He was the only non-Italian violin maker to rank as the top luthier in his time before Stradivari.
This is an A. Dieudonne Violin made in Mirecourt in about 1933. Amédée Dominique Dieudonné is a French luthier who specializes in copying the works of Cremona masters.
Victor Audinot (1870-1943), also known as Audinot-Mourot, came from a family of luthiers in Mirecourt. Mentored by Francois Chardin and Telesphore Barbé, Audinot was mainly influenced by Barbé, who had honed his skills working for Jean Baptiste Vuillaume in Paris. This experience helped shape Audinot’s successful career in instrument making.
Victor worked in Mirecourt, known for luthier tradition, before moving to Paris to set up his workshop on Rue Truffaut in 1913. He dedicated himself to his craft until retiring in 1936. He passed his expertise to five of his six sons and aspiring luthiers. Renowned for creating exact replicas of classical instruments, he crafted an exceptional copy of the ornately decorated Stradivari violin known as the ‘Sunrise’, showcasing his artistry.
This is a Collin - Mezin violin made in Paris in 1902. Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mezin (1841–1923) was a Parisian luthier an Officier de l'Académie des Beaux-Arts and won gold and silver medals in 1878, 1889, and 1900 at the Paris Exhibitions.
Check out this Leonidas Nadegini violin made about 1920. Jean-Baptiste Leonidas Nadegini was a Ukrainian luthier who was awarded as gold medalist for sonority in Saint Petersbourg competition in 1907.