Joseph Henry (bow maker)

Joseph Henry (1823–1870) was one of the most important French bow makers for string instruments. "Born in Mirecourt the 10th of December 1823, he came to Paris in 1837 and worked in Georges Chanot's workshop and then at Dominique Peccatte's. In 1848 he joined Pierre Simon where he stayed until 1851. He then set up on his own at No.8 Rue des Vieux-Augustins and then in the Rue Pagevin. He died at Paris in 1870." (Vatelot)

"The output of Henry is extremely important. Naturally he was much influenced by his master Dominique Peccatte but still shows his own very definite personality in his work." (Vatelot)

"The sticks are normally round and the wood is of fine quality. The heads follow two totally different models, either with the head in the style of Peccatte or there is the normal head which followed his own ideas. He made, on very rare occasions, some violin bow heads which were in the style of a swan's neck and the resemblance to his cello bows is astonishing." (Vatelot)

"However, the difference in price which exists between the heads of schools (TOURTE and PECCATTE) and their pupils is sometimes too great. There are HENRY, MAIRE, PAJEOT, PERSOIS, and SIMON bows which are superior to an average 'great bow' - but the commercial value is nowhere near the same, let alone higher." (Vatelot)

"Les Archets Francais" by Etienne Vatelot

Peccatte's prime disciples, if they could be called that, would have been his brother Francois, and the great masters Pierre Simon and Joseph Henry, who later worked as partners. The Peccatte influence can be seen in the work of Simon FR. as well as the work of two other bowmakers whose children would influence the future course of events - Francois Bazin and Claude Charles Husson. Philip J. Kass "French Bows of the 19th Century. A Speech by Phil Kass" http://www.philipjkass.com/articles.html

Henry studied with Dominique Peccatte and established his own shop in 1851. His bows are quite rare and sought after. They usually play well, but miss the highest quality of bows that were made by his teacher.[1]

Henry was engaged by Pierre (Paul) Simon, c.1848, to work together in partnership (in what were formally D.Peccatte’s Parisian premises). Although this association is thought to have ended acrimoniously in 1851, these few years were extremely fruitful for this pairing. Their work - both independently and in collaboration - garnered considerable acclaim, on one occasion winning them an Honourable Mention at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. - Peter Oxley, Oxford [2]

Peccatte’s two most well known pupils were Joseph Henry and Pierre Simon. Henry produced a bow similar to a Peccatte but of a somewhat lower general quality. Henry bows sometimes play very well but with the occasional exception seem coarse and clunky by comparison with a fine Peccatte. Simon, on the other hand, was one of the most skilled makers ever.[1]

[3]== References ==

  1. 1 2 Raffin, Jean Francois; Millant, Bernard (2000). L'Archet. Paris: L'Archet Éditions. ISBN 2-9515569-0-X.
  2. ↑ Peter Oxley (Spring 2008). "Joseph Henry and Pierre Simon". Bromptons Auctioneers. Retrieved 2008-09-22.
  3. ↑ Vatelot, Etienne. Les Archets Francais. pp. 417–430. ISBN 2-85955-000-3.
  • Roda, Joseph (1959). Bows for Musical Instruments. Chicago: W. Lewis. OCLC 906667.
  • Vatelot, Étienne (1976). Les Archet Francais. Sernor: M. Dufour. OCLC 2850939.
  • Dictionnaire Universel del Luthiers - Rene Vannes 1951,1972, 1985 (vol.3)
  • Universal Dictionary of Violin & Bow Makers - William Henley 1970
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