Author: 4accord
Date: 2015-05-25 08:01
Attachment: LaFleur bell.JPG (177k)
Attachment: Albert, Brusselles, Maker, LaFleur Sole Agent.jpg (38k)
Attachment: 17, Green Street postcard.jpg (54k)
Attachment: LaFleur cased.JPG (362k)
Have spent a fair amount of time studying this very same question, as I have an 1880-ish LaFleur clarinet which led me to do some research. Some of this is speculation, but much of it is confirmed, and here's what I put together. J. R. (Joseph Rene) LaFleur (1812-74) was a much-respected violin bow maker in Paris who established a partnership with Jules Prudence Riviere of London, and in 1857 they published a band-related journal, "Alliance Musicale," under the short-lived "Reviere and LaFleur." Reviere then went into business with William Hawkes (of B & H) in 1876, at 28, Leicester Square, until 1889, when son Oliver Hawkes came into the business. LaFleur and Son operated at 15, Green Street, Leicester Square (now Irving Street) from 1862-1911, but I suspect it was primarily the son, borrowing his father's good name. LaFleur, of course, did not make instruments but only imported them, certainly from France and Belgium. He also published sheet music. I am not sure that Cuesenon was their clarinet supplier - have not found evidence to support this, and my clarinet has M.T. in a diamond under the upper- and lowermost keys, possibly Martin-Thibouville. I can establish that LaFleur imported clarinets by Albert of Brusselles and Martin Freres of Paris. In 1917, LaFleur and Sons was associated with a different address a short distance away at 147, Wardour Street in the name of Oliver Hawkes. My assumption is that the LaFleur son died and the business was sold to Boosey & Hawkes in or before 1917, and B & H had exclusive rights to use (and did use) the LaFleur name perhaps as late as 1940. I attach a few photos and hope this is helpful.
Post Edited (2015-05-25 08:07)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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