Morizot (branded Lucien Schmitt Grenoble)

The Morizot Bowmaking Dynasty Born in 1874 in the French commune of Darney, Louis Joseph Morizot became the most important French bowmaker of the 20th century. The son of a tinsmith, Morizot perhaps inherited his aptitude for bowmaking from his grandfather, the bowmaker Guillaume Maline. His early years were devoted to studying and apprenticing with Eugène Cuniot-Hury, Charles Nicolas Bazin and Eugène Sartory. It was from his most demanding taskmaster, Sartory, that Morizot learned the importance of consistency and reliability, as well as a strong work ethic. Striking out on his own, his five sons began to assist him the 1920s. By 1933 the official partnership commenced in Mirecourt, under the name "Morizot et Fils". It was a partnership that worked brilliantly, with each son specializing in a different aspect of bowmaking, and the father assuring that the principles that he learned under Sartory would be applied in his own atelier. Bows made by Louis Morizot's own hand were usually presented under the "Morizot Pere" stamp, while those of the sons were always a collaborative effort, under the "Morizot Freres" stamp. For decades, the firm's output grew, and quality also continued to increase as skills and production methods were constantly being honed. With the death of the father, Louis Joseph, the firm went into decline, finally closing in 1970. The Morizot legacy, however, remains in the form of hundreds of superb bows that are actively being used by artists to this day. It is this artful blending of quality and production for which Mirecourt is remembered, and the reason that demanding players today can enjoy expertly made, outstanding bows at attractive prices. Read more about: The French Bow Making Tradition