Herman Pourtois

POURTOIS, Herman Born 1903, died 1980 La Hestre Belgium. Doctor of medicine and amateur violin maker from 1934. Pupil of A. B. Lambotte in Antwerp. Fine work on Stradivari and Maggini models. Also viols and pochettes, generally agreed to be of high professional standard. Red-brown varnish. Lost everything during the Second World War and forced to abandon lutherie until 1948 when he recovered sufficiently to make instruments again. Awarded diploma of Honour for a quartet, Liège 1954. After his death the workshop was continued as Ecole de Lutherie Herman Pourtois by his pupils Aigrisse, Bonne, and Philippart. Branded with initials on back button. Printed label: Dr. H. Pourtois fecit No.15 /