Claude Mercier-Ythier

Claude Mercier-Ythier (1931 – 3 July 2020) was a French harpsichord maker. He was born in Cannes.
In 1962, Mercier-Ythier opened his first workshop in Paris, working in the production of harpsichords. He was the first Frenchman since the reign of Louis XVI to work only in harpsichord production. Mercier-Ythier diversified his business, catering his harpsichords to businesses, theatres, and concert halls.
His instruments have also appeared in over 50 movies, including "L'Allée du Roi" and "Brotherhood of the Wolf". After a 45-year career, Mercier-Ythier's harpsichords had appeared in over 9000 concerts and 700 recordings.
In 1990, he published a book about the history of harpsichard making, "Le Clacecin".
Marcier-Ythier died on 3 July 2020.