Paul Bailly

1844 – 1907

 

Paul Bailly was born in Mirecourt, France in 1844. He began to study violin making under Jules Gaillard, before moving to Paris for an internship with J.B. Vuillaume. He was ultimately employed by J.B. Vuillaume and later by his brother Nicolas Vuillaume in Brussels. Between 1870 and 1898 he traveled to and worked in England and New York, picking up various techniques and honing his craft. Eventually, he settled in Paris where he established his own workshop.

Bailly had an extremely prolific career as a luthier. During his life his shop produced upwards of 3,000 instruments. He experimented with a great variety of models and techniques, especially as the result of his travels and experiences. Though he was greatly influenced by french workshop traditions, his instruments more closely resemble the models of old masters, specifically Stradivarius.

He won many awards for his work at various international expositions. Upon his death in 1907, Bailly left his shop to his daughter Jenny Bailly, who went on to become a talented maker herself.