This violin was
made in 1925 and is in excellent condition with a
beautiful open tone, having been fully restored by Thurmond Knight in
2006. Arthur and his brother, Hermenegil, are listed in Thomas
Wenberg's The Violin Makers of the United States where
color photos of their violins can be seen.
Arthur
Chamberland and his brother Hermenegil are the poet laureates of
violin making in Vermont. Their instruments are collectibles and
much sought after, revered by Vermont fiddlers and violinists
alike. The brothers collectively and individually made over 350
violins at their farm in North Troy, and later in Newport, Vermont.
They studied violin making with their father, Joseph Chamberland, who was
born in Armagh, Quebec on September 21, 1861. Their mother,
Florida Landry, was born July 10, 1862 in St. Elzear, Quebec.. Arthur was born in Armagh on October 15, 1888, and died
on Dec. 2, 1966 in North Troy, Vermont. He was 78 and never
married. His grave can be found in the town cemetery of North
Troy. The family came to the U.S. in 1918-1919. Arthur and
Hermenegil had four other brothers, Archille, Joseph, Alfred and
Mazenod. [Their family history was supplied by Arthur's nephew, John J. Brown.]
Thurmond has repaired/adjusted over two dozen,
and totally restored 8 of the Chamberland violins since 1986.
|
|