Pierre Jean Henri Hel

Violin maker
(1884 – 1937)

Pierre Jean Henri Hel (1884–1937), usually known simply as Pierre Hel, was the son and successor of the Lille violin maker Joseph Hel. Born in Lille, he trained in Mirecourt with Gustave Bazin before returning to work with his father. When Joseph Hel died in 1902, Pierre assumed control of the family workshop at only eighteen ...Read More years of age.

Pierre quickly established an independent reputation. He received important distinctions at the exhibitions of St Louis in 1904 and Milan in 1906 and later became luthier to the Conservatoire in Lille and to the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. Under his direction the Maison Hel remained an important centre for violin making, restoration and dealing, combining individually made instruments with a broader workshop production.

His finest instruments continue the technically accomplished French tradition established by his father, using models derived from Stradivari, Amati and Guarneri and characteristically rich orange-red or red varnish. He also developed models of his own, including one associated with Georges Enesco in the 1920s. More than simply maintaining his father's business, Pierre established a recognizable personal style and became one of the notable provincial French makers of the early 20th century.

The Hel workshop remained closely connected with prominent musicians, and Pierre's instruments were played by important performers of his generation; Stéphane Grappelli was among the musicians associated with his work. Pierre died in Lille in 1937, after which the business was continued for a time by his widow with the assistance of the longtime workshop maker Marcel Demey. Read Less

Price History

- The auction record for this maker is $36,000 in Oct 2013, for a violin.
- 55 auction price results.

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