Little by little, these childhood games led him to sculpture, which he practised first on his own and then under the watchful eye of an artist who welcomed him into her workshop.

 

Finally, at the age of 14, he met a cellist and a violin maker, Albert Claudot, who explained two hitherto unknown trades to him: violin making and bow making.

Both are close to sculpture but with a fourth dimension: music!

The techniques and the range of materials used in bow making attracted him.

 

In 1977, on his fifteenth birthday, he joined the Mirecourt School of Lutherie and Archèterie with Bernard Ouchard as his master.

A very demanding master, but one who knew not to stifle the personality of each student.

Neither the harshness of the climate, nor the isolation or adolescence could tarnish these three beautiful years spent in Mirecourt.

 

Only a few days after receiving his diploma, he continued his training with Bernard Bossert in Geneva, from 1980 to 1983.

Thanks to his encounters with musicians but also with watchmakers and jewellers, he enriched his work with new techniques which enabled him to create contemporary pieces

(first bows with Plexiglas and gold frogs) but also numerous restorations of old masters which complete his apprenticeship.

 

It was time to settle down.

We are in 1983 and it is in Presqu'ile de Crozon, at the tip of Brittany that he begins his career. From 1983 to 1986, isolated from all influences, he will gradually develop his style until it becomes fluid with the same motto "don't copy anyone and don't copy yourself".

 

Then began the period of competitions.

Very quickly the highest awards followed:

Orléans, Paris, Manchester, VSA and finally « One of the best craftsmen in France ».

 

Another important showcase in the 90s was the Musicora and Tokyo exhibitions.

 

Then came the time to pass on.

At the beginning of the 90s, Yung Chin, a New York bow maker, invited E. Grandchamp to share his experience at Oberlin College during the summer courses.

Over the years he has followed many bow makers to perfect the art of French bow making. Some still continue to attend his workshop.

 

Finally his peers invited him to participate in international competitions but this time as a member of the jury.