A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Ballard

BALLARD, a family of printers, who for nearly 200 years virtually enjoyed the monopoly of printing music in France. Their types were made by Guillaume le Bé in 1540, and remained in use as late as 1750. The first patent was granted to Robert Ballard by Henri II in 1552, and he and his son-in law Adrien Leroy printed many tablatures for the lute and other music. They were followed by Pierre, and he again by his son Robert, under whom the house rose to its greatest height both in privileges and position. He was succeeded by Christophe, T. B. Christophe, and Christophe Jean François, who died in 1765. His son held the patent until it was abolished during the Revolution. One of the earliest specimens of their art of printing is 'The Psalms of Marot,' 1562. Lully's operas were printed by the Ballards—first about 1700, from moveable types, and afterwards from engraved copper plates.

[ F. G. ]