Andre Richaume

Andre Georges Richaume ( b. in Mirecourt on Feb. 8, 1905 - d. in Paris March 31, 1966. ) a prominent French Archetier / Bowmaker, from a family of makers.

His Grandfather was Charles Claude Fetique (1853-1911) who was a violin maker, had two bow-making sons, Victor Francois Fetique (1872-1933) and Jules Fetique (1875-1951), and a daughter Marie Augustine Marthe Fetique (1879-1928 Andre's mother). Andre's cousin Marcel Fetique (1899-1977 son of Victor), became a bowmaker as well.

Andre apprenticed with Emile Francois Ouchard in Mirecourt, before joining his uncle, Victor Fétique in Paris. Established his own shop in 1923 and worked till 1957. In 1955 Andre was awarded the distinction of " Meilleur Ouvrier de France " (One of the best craftsmen in France).

Supplied fine bows to other Parisian makers under his own brand. His work is very much influenced by Ouchard and his uncle Victor Fetique......bold and artictic (style).

David Oistrakh used a bow by Richaume throughout his life.Oistrakh had remarked that this bow gave him great satisfaction, so much so that when in Paris, he had to go meet Richaume in person.

"The bow bought by his son Igor Oistrakh in 1957, had filled David with such enthusiasm that Igor made a gift of it." [cite book | last=Raffin | first=Jean Francois | coauthors=Millant, Bernard | title=L'Archet | location=Paris | publisher=L'Archet Éditions | year=2000 | isbn=295155690X]

"Andre Richaume was also a restorer of very great talent, able to preserve the styles of the Masters of the past" [cite book | last=Raffin | first=Jean Francois | coauthors=Millant, Bernard | title=L'Archet | location=Paris | publisher=L'Archet Éditions | year=2000 | isbn=295155690X]

Quotes

"One of the great French bow makers of the 20th century". [Discovering bows for the Double Bass 1994 Beaux Arts Editions - Christopher Brown] Christopher Brown

"One of the most remarkable bow makers of his generation". [cite book | last=Vatelot | first=Etienne | coauthors= | title=Les Archet Francais | location=Sernor | publisher=M. Dufour | year=1976 | oclc=2850939] Etienne Vatelot

"Superb maker in the finest tradition, whose work shows the influence of Ouchard and Fetique. It is said that his best bows are from his mature period especially those mounted in gold." [ [http://www.filimonovfineviolins.tk Filimonov Fine Musical Instruments] ] Gennady Filimonov

References

*
*
*
* Discovering bows for the Double Bass 1994 Beaux Arts Editions - Christopher Brown
* Dictionnaire Universel del Luthiers - Rene Vannes 1951,1972, 1985 (vol.3)
* Universal Dictionary of Violin & Bow Makers - William Henley 1970