F.W. Chanot

Frederick William Chanot was born into a large family of luthiers, stretching back to the Mirecourt-based luthier Joseph Chanot in who made his first instruments in 1790. F.W. Chanot was born in 1857 to Georges II. He started studying violin making in Paris with his grandfather, Georges I. After a few years he moved to London to work with his father and his brother, Georges-Adolphe. In 1881 he established his own workshop at Wardour Street, where he made and repaired fine violins.

All members of the Chanot family were highly respected luthiers, and F.W. was no exception. His violins received praise from professional and amateur players alike. He trained notable makers Carlo Giuseppe Oddone and Giovanni Gaida in the Parisian style of violin-making.