Piano Makers of 19th century London

The Tottenham Court Road
area was a centre for furniture or cabinet making.

As the piano grew in popularity, many cabinet makers readily adapted their skills for the piano making trade. Some in general and some catering to a specialised branch such as keyboard construction or french polishing.

Eventually, the manufacturers migrated northwards into Camden Town and Kentish Town. At one time there were literally dozens of piano works in these areas.

One such example was that of John Brinsmead, whose factory was in Grafton Road Kentish Town. Typically he came into the trade via cabinet making and had begun in Windmill Street, Tottenham Court Road in 1837. At the height of his activities in Kentish he had three hundred employees and, in 1904, this vast building was said to produce a piano every hour.

Other manufacturers were Chappell's, whose factory was at the junction of Belmont Street and Chalk Farm Road.

Allison Pianos who occupied a good part of the west side of Charlton Kings Road.

The Rotunda Organ Factory had previously been Burford's Painting Rooms; later this became the scene of one of those disastrous and under-insured fires that characterised the trade.

Even in the latter part of the twentieth century, if you asked elderly people in the area what work they or their fathers used to do, the answer was very likely to be either "worked in a piano factory" or "worked on the railways". Both occupations were at the more prosperous end of the working class scale.

In "Life and Labour of the People of London" in 1903 Charles Booth noted that the standard working week was 54-56 hours in winter and 48 in summer. But, piano making was a seasonal trade and hours were often reduced to 30 whilst in busy periods men often had to work to midnight! Booth also noted that factories had, of necessity, to be quite warm, which occasioned much drinking by the workers. The piano-making trade is said to have been responsible for the very large number of public houses that flourished in Camden and Kentish Town.
Taken from "The Fields Beneath" by Gillian Tindall and "Kentish Town Past" by John Richardson.

For information about the larger firms like Erard Brinsmead and Broadwood the UK piano Tuners Site is an excellent source of information

Lawrence and Brooks

My grandmother was Eleanor Mary Lawrence (called Ellen). She was born in 1851 Clerkenwell. Her father was John Lawrence was my gt.grandfather He made the finest pianos in London,Islington, he came from Hampshire with the Brookes piano people, John was born 1826 Clerkenwell and lived various places in London.He originally came from Hampshire with a partner name of Brooks
My Grandma played the harp and her two brothers were piano tuners. Grandma married John Joseph Pearse who had seven servants and the used to give musical soirees when grandma played her harp.She died in 1928.

Here is the notice from the "Piano,Organ and Music Traders Journal"of May 1888.

The timber trade being so closely allied to that of the piano and organ manufacturing industry, a description of the yards mud saw-wills a firm who have made a speciality of this branch of the trade will, we think, be not uninteresting to many of our readers. In these days of severe competition and overcrowding in all branches of trade, it is only the specialist who can hope to hold his own, and it is, to our thinking, attributable to the fact that Messrs. Lawrence have made the requirements of pianoforte manufacturers their study, and have laid themselves out to supply such goods as are necessary in that extensive and rapidly-growing industry, that they have attained so prominent a position.

The late Mr. John Lawrence, the founder of the firm of Messrs. John Lawrence & Sons, was, together with a partner, in business as a cabinet maker at Southampton ton. This was about half a century ago, and upon tbeir dissolution taking place, Mr. Lawrence became acquainted with the late Mr. Henry Brooks, and eventually acted in the capacity of manager and timber buyer to the gigantic firm of which Mr. Brooks was the bead; for this house, it will be remembered by many in the trade, not only bought the stock which was required for its own consumption, but supplied many of the piano manufactories also with suitable wood. Under these circumstances, then, it is not to be wondered at that Mr. Lawrence profited by his associa-tion with the piano trade in acquiring a thorough know-ledge of the various kinds of wood best adapted for the trade, a knowledge which proved so useful to him in after life.

After many years with the firm of H. Brooks & Co., Mr. Lawrence accepted an important post with the late British Timber Company, and whilst there erected the enormous timber stage which is situate at the corner or St. Pancras Road and Great Co]lego Street. One feels sure that Mr. Lawrence foresaw that Camden Town would eventually become the centre of the piano manufacturing industry—a conclusion which time has proved he had grounds for, as, at the present time, perhaps quite two-thirds of the factories of the United Kingdom lie within a radius of one and a half miles.

Upon the winding up of the British Timber Company, Mr. Lawrence secured tbe yard situated in Hawley Road, Kentish Town, and commenced business under the style of John Lawrence & Sons. Here the firm rapidly rose to pre-eminence for timber which could be relied upon for its quality and its perfect dryness, both of which are so essential in the manufacture of an instrument constructed to stand the test of time. We need hardly point out to our readers how very important an element is the thorough seasoning of the timber for this purpose, and those of them who have not yard room or out-of-door drying accommodation find it strictly necessary to purchase their stuff ffom such firms as Messrs.Lawrence, whose reputation is sufficient guarantee that they ‘will only supply such wood as is in a fit state for the purpose.

We were conducted over the extensive premises in the locality we have named on a recent occasion, and will attempt briefly to enumerate a few of the features that came under our notice. Firstly, then, on -emerging from the offices we found ourselves looking up at an enormous timber stage, which was filled with French hornbeam, undergoing the process of drying for Use with French actions. Knowing how subtle are the distinctions of law, it is, we think, a matter worth the consideration of the manufacturer whether or not, by using foreign actions as be has hitherto freely done, he may not be sailing rather too close to the wind,” if not actually infringing the statute, and, if we may be pardoned a joke, reader hinself “ "actionable” at law.

But to return to our inspection of’ Messrs. Lawrence's yard, we next came to a standstill by a huge travelling crane, which is employed in lifting and placing logs ot wood, some of theta weighing many tons. immediately under this crane a truck running upon lines is constantly carrying logs of mahogany or black walnut, which have been deposited on it by the travelling crane, to a horizontal saw. This saw, with its teeth so formed as to cut with both motions, iA driven by steam, and cuts to a nicety, panel boards and even thinner work being cut with it. We were next invited to witness the process of deal cutting by double flitch frame saws, and afterwards by the circular saw, by means of which the timber is cut to requisite lengths and shapes for pianoforte manufacturing purposes.

After another visit to the engine and boiler houses and workshops, we again returned to the sheds, where are stored wrest—planks, all thoroughly seasoned, belts or sweep sides, and bottoms, labeled and num-bered. In other parts of the yard we saw pine cut and in the plank spruce, maple, and .sycamore veneers of rare quality, and many of beautiful figure, also logs of Cuba and Honduras mahogany, black walnut, and American whitewood; in fact, almost every conceivable kind of timber is stored here, and all apparently of the very best quality, and sound and dry.

We were next invited to inspect the yard in Hartland Road, to which we adjourned, and there we saw endless piles of wrest-planks carefully stacked under cover of the railway arches, with a keen draught blowing through them, thus preventing any fear of “doat “or deterioration in other ways, which beech is particularly subject to. Finally, We were conducted by our guide to the depot and wharf on the Regent’s Canal, where we again saw an enormous reserve stock of similar items to those we have enumerated, and which enables Messrs. Lawrence to answer the calls made upon them for anything in the way of pianoforte timber at a very short notice. This almost inexhaustible store is being continually drawn upon, and as continually added to by fresh supplies from the docks, which come up the canal in barges, conveyed to the sale yards, thence the various factories by the firm’s timber carriages and trolleys, of which they have a large number.

In conclusion, we feel sure that such of our readers as have never visited a timber yard of the extent of Messrs. Lawrence & Sons, and one in which there re so many signs of careful management and a thorough knowledge of the requirements of the particular class of trade to which they devote themselves on the part of the proprietors, would find a visit w Hawley Road not only a source of pleasure, but of profit; and, whether as buyers, or purely as visitors, may be sure of that attention and courtesy at the hands of the present pro-prietors which made their father1 the late Mr. Lawrence, a man so universally respected and esteemed.

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Husk

My great grandfather was - Henry Husk - a Pianoforte Key Maker and his father was a Pianoforte Maker. They lived in the St Pancras and Islington areas.

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Holloway

Chris Mitchell wrote to me saying:-

I have some sheet music published by Novello and Company Ltd - "Meditatation and Fugue for the Organ" composed by Arthur S Holloway, an ancestor of mine. Also mentioned on this sheet is another composition of his - "Introduction, Variations and Fugue for the Organ, 3rd Edition". I am looking for information on how to contact Novello and Company to see if they still have copies of any compositions by this composer. I am researching the life of my great-grandfather Arthur Stephen HOLLOWAY, who was born at Christchurch, Hants on 7 July 1833.

In 1864 he was living at Wardour Castle, Salisbury where he was organist to Lord Arundel of Wardour.

On 12 Mar 1864 he was elected as one of the first Members of the College of Organists, and in 1866 he was one of the first two people to be awarded the Fellowship of the College.

He moved to Islington, London in about 1872, and continued to live in the North London area until his death at Highbury in Mar 1919.

He graduated Mus Bach in 1875, and Mus Doc (Oxford) in 1894.

He wrote several compositions of music for the organ and the piano, which were published. I have a copy of several of these.

I would be pleased to hear from anyone who has any information on him, or any other member of his family (he had 11 children).

Contact chris.mitchell@senet.com.au

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Archer and Blanche

My name is Caroline Underwood and I am researching the ARCHER family of the Westminster and Pimlico areas who were Piano Maker's and Teacher's from at least 1820 to 1860. Anyone interested in this family can contact me for more details at; ContactcarolineU@nationwideisp.net

This is from another source:

I have three piano makers in my family. They are both listed in the 1881

living in Islington. 9 Salisbury Road

JOSIAH BLANCHE - Piano Maker Employing 2 men and 2 boys

2 Argyll Villas, Duncombe Road

JAMES JOHN BLANCHE - Piano Forte Action Maker

2 Grovedale Road

EDWIN C. BLANCHE - Pianoforte Maker

ContactLiblob@tesco.net

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Olley

I am just starting to follow up details of my maternal grandmother and would appreciate any information anyone may have on the Olley family from London.
Name: Harriet Rebecca OLLEY
Born: London, August 1885
Harriet's father apparently made violins. Her mother was of French origin, and she made beadwork pictures, crochet, embroiderery, etc. The family lived around the Haymarket, Covent Garden area.

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Sale

I am looking for information on the Richard SALE family who lived in the Alfred Cottages in Putney on the 1881 census. His wife was Emma Charlotte Vincent (married in c. 1875); they had one daughter on the 1881 census, Anne (b. 1876). Richard (b.c. 1842) was a pianoforte maker.

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Hopkinson

My mother remembers seeing a "Howland" model Hopkinson piano that was brought to Canada by friends. That must have been named after the early address.

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Moore

I have just found started my husband's family grandmother on the 1881 census, aged 2. Her father is George MOORE, aged 40, a Pianoforte maker living at 75 Charles St, St Luke, London. . His wife was Annie MOORE and there was one other sibling in the household at that time, also Annie, then aged 3.

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Ford

My grandfather and most of his family were pianoforte makers for Broadwoods.I did write to them to see if they had any records of the family but they said they lost most of them when they moved offices.If you get anybody querying the family of FORD who worked for them and lived in Pimlico area, could you let me know?

ContactIan@shillinglaw2.freeserve.co.ukor take a look at Ian Shillinglaw's website

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Benoni

I have two ancestors c.1875 who were listed as 'organ builders'One lived in Islington and the other in Marylebone.I believe they were simply employees rather than business owners. I am given to understand that there was a piano manufacturer named 'BENONI' somewhere in London about that time. That name is interesting as several families have used it as either 2nd or 3rd names for their offspring.One of my TWITCHIN names listed (no relation.....so far) was called Percy Herbert 'BENONI' TWITCHIN (b.1865 Lambeth. )

Contactjoet@idx.com.au

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Hemming/Heming

I am interested in your collection of people who were involved in piano manufacture. I have just recently come across one - married to Mercy Russell, sister of my Eliza. He was Thomas Daniel HEMING (perhaps sometimes HEMMING), and they married in St Pancras in March 1851. His occupation then was given as pianoforte maker.

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Mantell

At the time of the 1881 Census my Great Uncle James MANTELL lived at 59 Highgate Road, St. Pancras and his occupation was piano forte maker.

Contactbernard@bmantell.freeserve.co.uk

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Ormond

ORMOND Peter - pianoforte maker - lived and worked at 11 Princes Street, Drury Lane, London. circa 1790. His son James followed him into the same business.

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Riding

My first cousin twice removed, Reginald John LAMB, married Florence RIDING in Guernsey in 1933, the certificate states that the bride's father was William Robert RIDING (deceased), pianoforte maker.

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Hammond

My g.grandfather James Hammond was a pianoforte maker in Middlesex in the late 1850's and 1860's before going to Canada. Do you know how to find out any information on these trades people?

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Caunter/Cannter

I have pianoforte makers/finishers. Richard Caunter/Cannter, son Richard and son Thomas J.H. all living in Islington on the 1881 Census Thomas J.H. Caunter/Cannter a Pianoforte Finisher (dealer) again living in Islington in 1881 They are father and 2 sons Back to top

Dwelling: 3 Berners St
Census Place: St Marylebone, London, Middlesex, England
Source: FHL Film 1341030 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 0133 Folio 57 Page 43
John GEARY M 48 M Holborn, Middlesex, England
Rel: Head
Occ:Formerly Pianoforte Manufacturer

Frances GEARY M 46 F Hammersmith, Middlesex, England
Rel: Wife
Sarah Augusta GEARY U 25 F New York, America
Rel: Daur
Occ: Artiste Teacher Of Singing
Kate MCLEOD U 24 F Sutherland
Rel: Servt
Occ: General Servant Domestic

Acknowledgements and Thanks

who gave me some helpful advice and recommended the following books

(1)Martha N. Clinkscale, `Makers of the Piano 1700-1820' (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1993)

(2)`Makers of the Piano 1820-1860' (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1999)

Bill Kibby

who contacted me very recently because he has a similar page on hiswebsite.

If you found your way here by chance and would like to read more , go to

Bill Kibby's PianoGen website

UK Piano Pages

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For more information please contact moira@bonn25.freeserve.co.uk