Leopold Widhalm facts for kids

Martin Leopold Widhalm (born October 2, 1722 – died June 10, 1776) was a skilled Austrian luthier. A luthier is someone who makes or repairs stringed musical instruments like violins and guitars. Widhalm became famous for creating high-quality instruments.

Early Life and Moving to Nuremberg

Martin Leopold Widhalm was born in a town called Horn, Austria. He later moved to Nuremberg, Germany, in 1745. Nuremberg was an important city for trade and crafts. He went there to work in an instrument-making shop.

The shop had belonged to a well-known instrument maker named Sebastian Schelle. After Schelle passed away, his eldest daughter, Barbara, was running the business. Martin Leopold Widhalm joined her to help make musical instruments.

Building a Business

Martin and Barbara worked together, and their partnership grew into a personal one. They got married the next year, in 1746. Martin then took over the instrument-making business.

There was a disagreement with another instrument maker, Leonhard Maussiell, about Martin taking over the shop. However, once this issue was settled, Martin and Barbara Widhalm built a very successful business. Their workshop became the biggest and most famous place in Nuremberg for making lutes and violins.

Legacy of Quality Instruments

The instruments made by the Widhalm family were known for their amazing quality. They were carefully crafted and sounded beautiful. Martin Leopold Widhalm continued to make instruments until his death in 1776.

After Martin passed away, and Barbara died in 1781, their sons continued the family business. Their sons, Martin Leopold Widhalm (born 1747) and Gallus Ignatius Widhalm (born 1752), took over the workshop. Later, a grandson, Johann Martin Leopold Widhalm (born 1799), also joined the family trade. The Widhalm family's tradition of making excellent musical instruments lasted for many years.