Georges Apparut violin, Mirecourt 1944

Georges Apparut (1877-1948) was a French luthier who began his training with his father, Léon, at 14 years old and continued to master his technique under Paul Blanchard. He worked at several other firms including Mougenot in Brussels, Pouzolle in Avignon, and as head of artistic production at Marc Laberte's firm in Mirecourt. In 1925, he acquired Victor Joseph Charotte's Mirecourt workshop. He trained at least 20 apprentices in his atelier, among them were Louis Delignon, Jacques Francais, and Jean Peticolas. He partnered with René Cune from 1930 to 1939, and Paul Hilaire, who succeeded him in the business in 1948.

Apparut was an extremely prolific maker, producing around 500 instruments throughout his successful career, earning high praise and silver and gold medals at numerous international exhibitions, including at Nancy, Brussels, Ghent, Metz, and Paris in the early 1900s. In 1928, he was awarded the prestigious status of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, recognizing Apparut among the best French craftsmen. He developed a sterling reputation at home and abroad for his craftsmanship, particularly his copies of Italian masterpieces such as Stradivari, Guarneri, and Guadagnini. Aside from the classical Italian school, he was also inspired by Victor Joseph Charotte's style.