The Makers
Honoré (Jean-Joseph) Derazey
1794 – 1883
Honoré Derazey trained in Mirecourt and his abilities took him to Paris where he gained employment with various makers, arriving at the J.B. Vuillaume workshop in 1830, and staying until 1839.
He then left to establish his own business back in Mirecourt though he continued to supply Vuillaume with instruments over the next ten years.
In his time working for various high quality workshops Derazey produced violins on many different models but for his own work he generally favoured that of Stradivari.
On Honoré’s death, his son, Just Amédée, took over the Derazey marque and in 1897 it was registered by Paul Alexandre Mangenot. These later manifestations of the trade name have served to obscure the excellence of Honoré’s original work.
We currently have three fine examples by the hand of this French master which vindicate his impressive list of awards:
1839 Mention Honorable. Paris, Exposition Universelle
1855 Mention Honorable. Paris, Exposition Universelle
1855 Médaille de 1° classe. Paris, Exposition Universelle
1862 Silver Medal. London, Universal Exhibition