Archives
Birth : 1719 in Paris (Ile-de-France) Death : 1792 in Paris (Ile-de-France)

Biography



Career
From a modest background, Benoist FLEURY began his apprenticeship at the age of thirteen, in 1732, under Claude BOIVIN in Paris.
At that time the period of apprenticeship lasted six years, so we believe FLEURY joined Louis GUERSAN's workshop as journeyman around 1738.
He lived and worked with Louis GUERSAN until 1744, date at which he married Marie Zélie CAZE, GUERSAN'S niece, and moved to rue des Boucheries, Faubourg Saint Germain, where he remained until his death in 1792.

Works
Benoist FLEURY's activity took place during what is considered the last period of the "VIEUX PARIS School", even if this maker maintained strong stylistic links with his masters.
His production is mainly composed of violins, violas and cellos, but one can find hurdy-gurdies, guitars or lyras as well.
Certainly a well-respected maker during his professional life, FLEURY is also known for having built four double basses for the King of France, one of which is still conserved in the collections of the Musée de la Musique in Paris.

Workshop
From 1744 to 1792 : rue des Boucheries, Faubourg St. Germain à Paris.

Honors & awards
1755 and 1756: juror of the violin maker's guild.

Labels & stamps
- Printed label which reads:
"Benoist Fleury, rue des Boucheries
Faubourg St. Germain. a Paris 17.."
- Some instruments bear the stamp "FLEURY"
which can be located on the outside back heel of the instruments in the violin family, or on the table for the guitars.
- A manuscript signature in ink reading "B Fleury" can also be found on the inside left C rib.

Sources
- Documents Inédits sur les Luthiers Parisiens du XVIII° siècle. Sylvette MILLIOT
- Dictionnaire Universel des Luthiers. René VANNES.
- La Lutherie Parisienne. Tome II. Sylvette MILLIOT
- Instrumentistes et Luthiers Parisiens XVII° - XIX° siècle Ouvrage dirigé par Florence GÉTREAU
(More specfic publication references are available in our Bibliography section.)



Select a Maker

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W