François Lotte Explained

François Lotte (1889–1970) was a French archetier and bow maker.

Son of Georges Lotte who was a luthier and violin maker in the Vuillaume shop.^[1] François Lotte received his training in the best French tradition, initially apprenticed with Bazin. In 1919 he married Marguerite Ouchard, daughter of Émile François Ouchard and sister of Émile Auguste Ouchard. François later went on to work for Eugène Cuniot-Hury (between 1922-1925). By 1926 he set up his own business in Paris.

His bows are often stamped with the stamp of the shop or maker he was working for or not stamped at all. His bows are elegant, precise, excellent in workmanship and combine good playing and sound qualities.^[2] He left a large number of bows of very good quality. Many bows are mounted in silver as well as maillechort/nickel mounted.

His brands include:

• "FRANCOIS LOTTE" in large letters
• "Fcois LOTTE" in large letters
• "FRANCOIS LOTTE" in small letters

His son Roger François Lotte, born 1922, took over the shop around 1960. François the father continued to make bows until his sudden death in 1970.^[3]

References

• Book: Roda, Joseph . Bows for Musical Instruments . Chicago . W. Lewis . 1959 . 906667.
• Book: Vatelot, Étienne . Les archets français . Sernor . M. Dufour . 1976 . 2850939.
• Book: Raffin, Jean François . Millant, Bernard . L'Archet . Paris . L'Archet Éditions . 2000 . 2-9515569-0-X.
• Dictionnaire Universel des Luthiers - René Vannes 1951,1972, 1985 (vol.3)

Notes and References

1. The Violin times 7 1899 "GEORGES LOTTE was also educated at Mirecourt and afterwards employed by JB Vuillaume of Paris. His name is registered as a trade mark, No. 177954. He has been succeeded in business by his brother, Mr. Lotte-Maucotel, and the violins now.."
2. Book: Raffin, Jean Francois . Millant, Bernard . L'Archet . Paris . L'Archet Éditions . 2000 . 2-9515569-0-X.
3. Book: Raffin, Jean François . Millant, Bernard . L'Archet . Paris . L'Archet Éditions . 2000 . 2-9515569-0-X.