Louis Panormo 1837
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Louis Panormo
1837, London
Top: Spruce
Back & Sides: Rosewood
The French-born Louis Panormo (1784-1862), and his brothers, were 19th century England鈥檚 finest guitar makers and among the only luthiers outside Spain making guitars 鈥渋n the Spanish style,鈥 as the labels in Louis鈥 guitars note. It is said that his guitars were closer to the modern Torres style guitar than any other maker of his day, but luthier and scholar Richard Brune has described Panormo鈥檚 guitars as closer in inspiration to the pre-Torres makers of Cadiz and M谩laga. Louis Panormo was one of Fernando Sor鈥檚 recommended luthiers, but Sor鈥檚 visit to Panormo鈥檚 Bloomsbury shop during his London stay was to visit Louis鈥 older brother, Joseph (1767-1837).
Dynastic considerations aside, this particular Louis Panormo guitar has a remarkable history as it was owned and played by the legendary early 19th century English guitarist and composer, Madame Sidney Pratten. The guitar has her red wax 鈥淪P鈥 seal applied to the top of the headstock as well as the name 鈥淧ratten鈥漞mbossed in the back of the headstock. The vibrant 鈥淪panish鈥 sound of the guitar is surprising for so small an instrument.
Label
Rosette
Madame Sidney Pratten鈥檚 wax seal
Front
Side
