User:Fiftified/Langonet

Alfred Charles Langonet (1917–1973) was a master violin maker and restorer.

Alfred was born in Hanwell, Middlesex in 1917, son of Charles Francois (Frank) Langonet and last in the Langonet dynasty of violin makers that originated in Mirecourt, France.

He served his apprenticeship at W. E. Hill & Sons under the tutelage of his father before serving with the RAF during WWII. From 1939-1945 he served with 209 Squadron and was the rigger aboard the Consolidated Catalina that spotted the German ship Bismarck while on duty with Coastal Command. He was then posted to East Africa to patrol the Indian Ocean until 1945.

After the war he went into business with his father, and in 1946 C. F. Langonet & Son opened at 71 Brondesbury Road, London NW6. They rapidly built up a world-renowned business as violin makers, restorers and dealers in fine violins.

Like his forebears, Alfred not only restored some of the world's finest instruments, he was also a master craftsman who gained high awards in international competitions for his violins, including a Silver Medal at the 1949 Stradivari Exhibition at Cremona.