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Brinsmead Pianos
In Alfred Dodge’s book, Pianos and their Makers he discusses the London piano manufacturing businesses. He states that London became the “birthplace of the modern piano factory where steam-driven machines were employed. London piano manufacturers utilized circular saws, planning machines and so on as early as 1815. In the days before the steam railroads, London was an ideal place for piano manufacturers. Not only did they control a fine home market among the great landowners, rich merchants and manufacturers but they also had absolute control of the export business to foreign countries by reason of England’s supremacy of the seas. It is reported that in 1851 London had 180 firms, which produced 25,000 pianos a year, at a value of £4,000,000. In about 1860 London had reached its zenith as the leading piano manufacturer. Edgar Brinsmead, son of John Brinsmead, in his book published in 1870, claims an output of about 35,000 pianos per annum for England”. At the time that the book was written in 1911, the author states that there were 126 piano factories in London.
Early Life and the beginning of the business
John Brinsmead was born on October 13th 1814 in Wear Gifford, North Devon, the son of Henry and Elizabeth. Henry is a victualler. He was baptized on the 31st October 1814.
There is a lengthy article about John Brinsmead in the Grey River Argus dated 19th May 1906. According to this article John Brinsmead began his working life as a farmer and he was the son of a Devonshire yeoman. The Brinsmeads had been on the land for centuries.
He was apprenticed as a cabinet maker at Torrington in Devon for five years and once he had finished his apprenticeship, he moved to London starting the business with his father at Windmill St. His brother Henry joined the business. It appears that his father did not accompany John to London, his father Henry is found in the 1841 Census at Wear Gifford and dies four years later in 1844 in the village. Henry was buried on the 29th November 1844.
The Grey River Argus article described above states that John Brinsmead on arriving in London in 1835, obtained a position with a pianoforte maker. Two years later he started his own business on his own account in Tottenham Court Road with a man and a boy.
According to Alfred Dolge John Brinsmead started in business in 1837 however in some of John Brinsmead obituaries, it states that the business commenced in 1833. Others state that he started the firm in the same year as his marriage, 1837. His first employees numbered two, a man and a boy. One account states that in the first years of the business ten pianos were produced annually rising to 3000 in later years.
Manawatu Times 7th August 1926
Another account states that on coming to London, John Brinsmead worked as a journeyman cabinet maker before starting the pianoforte making business in 1837 in partnership with his brother Henry. (I need to check whether this is his brother or father.) The business began in Windmill St, Tottenahm Court-road before moving to Charlotte St, which was nearby, in 1841. Another account states that the third move was to Chenies St (Check) and then to Grafton Road, Kentish Town. By 1863 there were showrooms in Wigmore St. The business became a private firm in 1899, son Edgar Brinsmead was one of the directors.
The trademark for the Brinsmead pianos dates from the reign of King William IV.
John Brinsmead not only produced pianos he also dealt with timber for a time. One newspaper report states that having a business trading in timber helped him recover from a fire in presumably his piano factory, in 1851.
From personal ephemera collection.
The business manufactured upright and grand pianos. The instruments were often quite elaborate in style.
A late 19C pin holder. Anthropomorphic cat at Brinsmead piano.
By Unknown artist - Catalog Photo, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64612008
New Zealand Herald 1st September 1881
Developments
John Brinsmead, in 1862, patented a repetition action and there were subsequent improvements on this action. This is verified by an insertion into the London Gazette on February 28th 1862. Seven more patents were granted for this action, the latest being in 1885. His first improvement was with the sticker action, which he made prompter in its working and steadier in its blow. He also improved the top or plank bridge, with the result being the obtaining of a clear, bell-like treble that had not been available before.
With these improvements brought Brinsmead an increase in business and he was able to install labour-saving machines in his factory in Tottenham Court Road.
New Zealand Herald 18th December 1926
Management and family
John Brinsmead, bachelor and Susan Brown, Spinster were married by banns on the 3rd June 1837 at the Parish Church of St Mary-le-bone, Middlesex. The witnesses are Henry and Ann Brinsmead.
One newspaper article states that Susan Brown, at the time of her marriage, was the head of a flourishing corset-making business.
The 1841 Census shows John and Susan Brinsmead living in Windmill Street with their three-week old son John. John’s occupation is listed as ‘pianoforte’.
In the Robson’s Directory for London in 1841 there are three entries for the Brinsmead family. Firstly, there is Henry, a pianoforte maker, 3 Upper Grafton Street, Manchester Square. Then there is John Brinsmead, also a pianoforte maker of 40 Windmill St, Tottenham Court Road and at the same address, is Susan Brinsmead, staymaker of the same address as John’s.
Most of the Brinsmead children were born at Charlotte Street.
In the 1851 Census John and Susan Brinsmead are living at 15 Charlotte Street, St Pancras with their sons John aged 9, Thomas aged 6 and Edgar aged 3, daughters Rosa Ann aged 8, Laura aged 4 and Emily aged 1.
The family is living at 15 Charlotte Street, St Pancras in the 1861 Census. John is listed as ‘Robert’ in this Census. Their children are John, Rosa, Thomas, Laura, Edgar and Horace. As well as his wife Susan, her widowed mother Susan Brown is living with them too.
In the 1871 Census John and Susan Brinsmead are living at 18 Wigmore Street, Marylebone and John is listed as being a pianoforte manufacturer. Living with them are daughters Rosa aged 28, Laura aged 24 and Emily aged 21 as well as sons Edgar aged 23 and Walter Sydney aged 19. By this time Edgar is working at the business because he is listed as a pianoforte manufacturer.
By the time of the 1881 Census John and Sarah Brinsmead are living at 16 Albert Road, Marylebone. Living with them are Sidney aged 28 and Emily aged 30. Sydney as well as his father is listed as a pianoforte manufacturer.
From personal ephemera collection.
New Zealand Herald 14th December 1907
Two of his sons, Edgar William and Thomas James were very involved in the management of the ever-expanding business, and it became one of the leading English piano manufacturers of the time. One account states that Thomas and Edgar were John Brinsmead’s partners in the firm.
The Colonist dated 1st September 1885 has an article which states ‘Princess Beatrice was presented at Buckingham Palace on July 3, with a grand piano, a wedding gift from ladies residing in Kensington. Mr Brinsmead had the honour to attend and explain to Her Royal Highness the construction of the piano, which is in a black case, ornamented with gold’.
In 1886 on the 18th September the Auckland Star has an article about a Brinsmead piano that has been made for Marchioness Tseong. It states that ‘it is interesting to those who want to take a upright grand to a hot climate’. It goes on describe the casing is of solid mahogany, there are ornamented electro-gilt panels and under the lid a brass plate with Chinese characters. It states that the piano has ‘all of the maker’s newest improvements, two of the most important of which are the sustaining pedal and the check repeater action for the keys’. The article explains that the repeater action ‘gives the perfect repetition of any note at the will of the performer’.
In the 1891 Census John Brinsmead is at a boarding house in Hastings. He is listed as a pianoforte manufacturer. Also with him are his son, Thomas James and his wife Elizabeth. And with them are their children one of whom, Herbert is an apprentice pianoforte manufacturer.
In July 1896, Miss Large of New Zealand gives a concert at the Brinsmead Rooms, in Wigmore Street.
In the 1901 Census John and Susan Brinsmead are living at 16 Albert Road, Marylebone. Their daughter Emily is 50 years old and their son Sydney is 46 years old working as a pianoforte tuner.
Horace Brinsmead, John Brinsmead’s youngest son, created the colonial market and Thomas James and Edgar worked in creating the market in the UK. The pianos were marketed using hire purchase agreements, having concerts given using their instruments, advertising in newspapers and having the pianos at various trade shows and exhibitions.
By the time of John Brinsmead’s death, Horace, who had for a time been a managing director of the company, had a business of his own. This business is described as small in one account. Horace had for 25 years represented the firm in Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Cyril T Oakey, pianoforte tuner certificate. Nelson Provincial Museum, Tyree
Studio Collection: 180449
In 1899 John Brinsmead converted the business into a private liability company, the shares of which were held by members of the family. Horace, Edgar and Thomas Brinsmead along with their father sere shareholders.
In June 1907 John and Susan Brinsmead celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They were apparently one of the oldest married couples in the UK at the time and they received congratulations from the King and Queen. One account states that there were 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren of the couple.
In the Christchurch Star on the 30th July 1907 the King and Queen were apparently the first to telegraph their hearty congratulations to Mr and Mrs Brinsmead on the occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. The telegram from the King read – “The King has been informed that you are celebrating the seventieth anniversary of you wedding today. His Majesty commands me to congratulate you upon the happy event, and to express his hope that, notwithstanding that you both have reached the age of ninety-three years, you may live to see many more”. The Queen’s telegram was, although expressing congratulations, was more of a private nature. The reply from Mr and Mrs Brinsmead was: “Kindly convey to his Majesty the King our most sincere thanks for his gracious message. It gives us the greatest pleasure and happiness on our seventieth wedding day anniversary to know of his Majesty’s goodwill. God save the King”.
The celebration took place at the Brinsmeads’ house at 16 Albert Road, Regent’s Park; the house being beautifully decorated for the occasion. The reception for the employees took place at 5:00pm and at 5:30pm Mr Brinsmead presented a cheque for £1000 to Mr Billinghurst, inaugurating the “John Brinsmead Provident Fund”. At the same time there was a presentation to the old employees, fourteen of which had over 40 years’ service. Each of these employees received a cheque for £10. After the departure of the guests Mr Brinsmead gave a “very substantial cash token” to all the postmen, police constables, “zoo” attendants and park-keepers whom Brinsmead had come in contact within the local area. At the end of the Brinsmead booked the whole pit of the Camden Theatre, sixty stalls and two boxes so that all the employees of the business could watch the play that was being performed at the time.
The Christchurch Star dated 12th July 1907 has an article about the Brinsmeads. It talks of how Susan Brinsmead and her daughters have skilled every servant they have had in domestic accomplishments. Susan Brinsmead, it states is the mother of eleven children and that “it has been her object to make her household a training school for model wives and mothers and an object-lesson of the need for happiness as well as skilled housewifery in the home”. It carries on by saying that “Mrs Brinsmead still uses her charming gift of reading aloud the newspapers and latest books to her husband, both delight in friendly inner parties and a hand of whist of an evening, despite the ninety-tow years which press upon them lightly”. This accounts states that there are 23 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. It ends by saying that the wives and sweethearts of each employee will receive an artistic souvenir brooch.
John Brinsmead created a provident fund for his employees at the time of his 70th Wedding anniversary.
A page of the Probate register for 1908 contains four probates for the Brinsmead family.
Edgar William Brinsmead of 5 Hillside Mansions Highgate Middlesex and of 18-22 Wigmore-St Middlesex died 28 November 1907. Probate London 4 August 1908 to Oliver Thorn coachbuilder and Herbert John Brinsmead pianoforte ironmonger. Effects £6095 8s 2d.
Susan Brinsmead’s ashes are interred at the Highgate Cemetery in the family vault that contained the ashes of her son Edgar Brinsmead, the blind author who died a few weesk before.
Sarah Brinsmead of 16 Albert-road Regents Park Middlesex (wife of John Brinsmead) died on 29 December 1907 Administration London 10 December 1908 to Henry Farncombe Billinghurst gentleman Emily Eliza Doddridge (wife of James Doddridge) and Henry Billinghurst secretary to a public company. Effects £1108 13s. Revoked 12 January 1909.
John Brinsmead of 16 Albert-road Regents Park Middlesex died 17 February 1908 Probate London 22 April 1908 to Henry Farmcombe Billinghurst gentleman Emily Eliza Brinsmead spinster and Henry Billinghurst secretary to private company. Effects £46127 18s 5d.
Horace George Brinsmead of Nassington-road Hampstead Middlesex died 21 July 1908 at 5 John-street Tottenham Court-road Middlesex Probate London 13 August to Alice Maud Mary Brinsmead widow. Effects £188 18s.
In 1905 an article in the Gisborne Times definitively states that “the Horace G Brinsmead piano is not and has no connection with the John Brinsmead and Sons’ instruments. This notice is inserted on account of an advertisement appearing in a local paper to the effect that the public were to be warned. Horace G. Brinsmead is the late managing director of the well-known firm of John Brinsmead and Sons and a son of the above family, which should be quite sufficient guarantee as to the quality of the Horace G. Brinsmead pianos’’.
In the Freelance dated 25th April 1908 there is an advertisement that informs the readers that ‘Genuine Brinsmead Pianos are only made by Brinsmead and Sons, Ltd, London. Warning – there are other pianos on the market bearing the name of “Brinsmead”. The public are warned however that the only Genuine “Brinsmead” pianos come from the old established factory of John Brinsmead and Sons, Ltd. Do not be persuaded by misleading statements into buying an inferior article’.
The above is from a collection that is held in the Alexander Turnbull Library.
On the 9th March 1912 the Colonist informs their readers in an article from Chas. Begg and Co. Ltd, Nelson that ‘our Brinsmead pianos are still the good old John Brinsmead pianos, four of which were put on board the S.S. Median for the special use of their Majesties, the King and Queen when on their way to India’.
Waikato Times 10th May 1915
Recognition and awards
John Brinsmead and Sons was appointed as piano makers to the Prince of Wales in 1883, and in 1911, to King George V. In 1883 this gave the business the right to write on their pianos ‘Pianoforte Maker to HRH the Prince of Wales’. Forty prize medals and diplomas were awarded to the company at various expositions for meritorious exhibits.
The first medal awarded to the firm was given in 1851 London Great Exhibition and this helped to establish the Brinsmead piano reputation. According to the advertisement in The Freelance newspaper dated 25th April 1908 Brinsmead pianos have been awarded the highest awards at principal International exhibitions between 1851 and 1907. They were awarded a Special Gold Medal at the Christchurch Exhibition in New Zealand in 1907. Also this advertisement states that the only piano used in the Adelaide Conservatory is the Brinsmead and their pianos are on the P. and O. Steamship Company ships and the New Zealand Steamship Company ships.
In 1870 John Brinsmead was elected honorary member of the L’Academie Nationale of France and in 1878 was awarded the cross of the Legion of Honour at the Paris Exhibition, an award that was given to no other British manufacturer..
The Grey River Argus dated the 26th January 1881 tells that at the Melbourne Exhibition “nowhere has the crowd been greater than around the dais of Messers John Brinsmead and Sons, London. Almost daily admiring crowds have assembled to listen to the noble sonorousness and voice-like quality of tome emitted by their perfect instruments under the able touch of distinguished pianists. There are two platforms, on the lower of which are placed the upright pianofortes, whilst that which is raised is reserved for the various classes of horizontal grands. In addition to the gold medal of the Academie Nationale, and the silver medal awarded to Messers John Brinsmead and Sons for the superiority of their pianos exhibited at Paris. Two first especial prizes above all competitors tell to them of Sydney 1879; the grand medal of honour and diploma of merit Philadelphia 1876, the diploma of honour Paris 1874 and the honorary membership of the Academy of France; the gold medal Paris 1869; the diploma of extraordinary merit, Netherlands International Exhibition 1869, the medal of honour Paris 1867 and the grand prize medal 1862”. At the Melbourne Exhibition the company exhibited their full concert grand, their drawing room grand, their boudoir grand, their overstrung oblique, their centennial oblique, two upright iron grands, one with folding key-board, also models of the patents and inventions which have place the Brinsmead pianos at the head of all others at the various international exhibitions throughout the world. The article states “a Professor of the Conservatoire at Paris has stated that the perfect check-repeated action is the most important improvement in pianofortes”. It carries on saying that “besides a clear uninterrupted and sustained tone, as well as a perfect check and repetition, it produces an extremely light yet form touch; the action is now being extensively used by some of the leading American pianoforte manufacturers, they having to pay Messers John Brinsmead and Sons a heavy royalty. The Patent Sostenente Sounding Board is another invention that greatly augments the volume, richness and sustaining power of tome. It is obtained by greatly increasing the thickness of the sounding board where the bridges are fixed and making it thin towards the edges, at the same time barring it very heavily and in such a manner to allow the whole space from the wrest-plank to the bottom to be utilized instead of cutting off, or rendering useless about one third of the sounding board as is usual in all instruments where this patent is not applied. The sounding board is then attached to a rim of resonant wood in such a manner as to impart great elasticity; the faintest vibration of the strings is thus greatly prolonged, whilst the powerful tones are much augmented in all instruments where the patent is used, the tension is greatly increased to counterbalance which Messers Brinsmead have introduced an entirely new consolidated iron frame. The patent tone sustaining pedal prolongs any note or chord without the discordant admixture of other sustained notes. After a chord or note has been struck, a third pedal, when pressed down, causes the mechanism to hold the dampers in such a manner as to allow the continued vibration of the note or chord desired only. The hands are then entirely unembarrassed and are available for use on other parts of the keyboard without danger of producing discordant effects. The tones can be at once repeated or silenced at the will of the performer. In pianos constructed on the old principle, it is necessary to raise the whole of the dampers by means of the loud pedal when sustained notes are required after the strings are raised from the keyboard. Such disadvantages are entirely obviated by the tone sustaining pedal which holds the dampers away from the strings required, isolating them from the other dampers, which continue working”.
Also the article states “the patent tone compensator and renovator is exhibited in Melbourne for the first time, the invention having only been patented a few months prior to the opening of the Exhibition. By this inventio, the pianoforte, which has hitherto been at a disadvantage as compared with other stinged-instruments, may be modulated as to preserve a definite and equal quality of tone. In the compensating mechanism the strings pass over the top of the compensating bars and then onto the bridge of the sounding board and a series of screws regulate the position of the bars as may be required for the purpose of securing or restoring complete unity and fulness of tone”.
It carries on saying “it appears to be pretty generally conceded that amongst all pianos the Brinsmead’s are conspicuous for sweetness and purity of tone and the entire absence of anything metallic or booming. Great stress is laid upon the seasoning of the timber used, as well as upon its selection. This means a large capital lying dead for a long time. These firms keep it for at least five years before it is touched, that is to say three years outside and tow years in the drying room.
South Canterbury Times 10th June 1881
The Lyttelton Times of the 13th September 1879 describes the Brinsmead pianos at the Sydney Exhibition. It discusses the fact that the upright grand consists of a metal plate of sufficient strength to resist greatly increased tension. The article states “this has enabled Messers John Brinsmead and Sons to introduce in their upright pianos the full length of the tenor and treble strings, which is used in the most costly grands. The perfect check repeater action is an improvement on the Brinsmead Patent dated March 6th 1868. The touch is beautifully light, and responds immediately to the slightest pressure of the fingers, producing the exact shade of tone required by the performer, from the faintest pianissimo to the most powerful fortissimo. The check of the hammer is quick and certain, and the repetition of any note can be executed with great rapidity, even when the key is held down to within 1/16th of its utmost limits. The Tone adjuster – by means of springs, the sounding board is attached to the bracings and is strength and elasticity are thus increased by means of screws; the tone of the instrument can be regulated through the increase or diminution of the pressure of the springs on the sounding board. The Tone Sustaining Pedal – the object of this pedal is to prolong the sound of any one note or chord, without the discordant admixture of other sustained notes after a chord or note has been struck in the treble or bass; the third pedal when pressed down causes the mechanism to hold the dampers in such a manner as to allow of the continued vibration of the strings, thus allowing the hands to be available to play in other areas of the keyboard”.
A member of the firm, Mr Horace Brinsmead, remains in Melbourne until the close of the Exhibition”.
The NZ Museums website have a photograph of a Brinsmead piano which is though to have been manufactured in about 1880. The piano belonged to Marion Miller (nee Clendon) of Clendon House in Rawene.
New Zealand Herald 1st September 1888
A Brinsmead piano was presented to Prince Leopold at Windsor Castle according to the New Zealand Mail dated 15th July 1882. Its ebonised case was designed to match the other furniture in Princess Helen’s rooms and was decorated in Adam’s style with allegorical figures and garlands of flowers. The article carries to say that “they have been testified for within the past few years by Rubenstein and Gounod, the latter of whom remarks upon their unusual capacity for permitting the finest gradation of sound”.
There is a delightful photograph online on the Historic England website that shows the piano showroom in the front office of John Brinsmead and Sons at 18-22 Wigmore Stree, London.
Manawatu Times 7th August 1926
The New Zealand Herald on the 20th October 1894 has a very long article concerning the production of the Brinsmead piano as well as interesting Brinsmead pianos that have been built. (This article states that the business was opened 58 years before, so making it about 1836. The factory covered an acre of ground in Kentish Town. Outside there are logs of wood from all over the world – English woods, kauri from New Zealand, cedars from the Phillipines and so on stacked on the roof of the factory and in the timber-yard so that the wind blows freely through them. One interesting piano built was for the ship the General Mite, one of the P. and O. line. Pianos destined for these ships were specially designed by the company’s own designer so that they match the decorations of the saloon. Some Brinsmead pianos were bought by Royalty.
New Zealand Times 14th December 1907
In the Lyttelton Times dated 19th November 1906 there is a very long article concentrating on the Christchurch Exhibition. Milner and Thompson oversee a stand that showcases the Brinsmead piano. There are three grand pianos and seven uprights. The instruments were specially made for the Exhibition, there is comment concerning the finish of them – one of the uprights has in its front a handsome painted porcelain panel representing the “Captivity of Andromache”; and another upright grand, cased in Queen Anne style, in ebony, with specially fine inlays and carvings of great beauty. It concludes with “Brinsmead and Son have always been successful hitherto in annexing gold medals, and it is expected that the firm’s success will be no less on this occasion”.
New Zealand Herald 18th December 1926
From the Timaru Herald 27th July 1907.
The Oamaru Mail dated 23rd October 1916 states that Brinsmead pianos are used at the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College, the Guildhall School of Music and other similar institutions.
Disputes and the end of the business
In the Daily news October 14th 1897 there is a lengthy article concerning Thomas Edward Brinsmead (nephew of John Brinsmead, son of his brother George) and others appearing before the Police Court for “alleging that they had conspired by false pretences to obtain and acquire from the subscribers for shares in a company called “Thomas Edward Brinsmead and Sons (Limited)” large sons of money, and to cheat and defraud them thereof. Alexander Thomas Habell stated “that on August 10th 1896 he went to work at the company’s premises in Ferdinand Street, Kentish Town. There were eleven or twelve men engaged at first, afterwards perhaps twenty to twenty-five. He remained three weeks. He left because there was not enough material to keep two “part makers” at work. No timber or veneer was delivered. He did not see a complete piano in the time he was there”.
Thomas James Brinsmead according to this article is a member of John Brinsmead and Sons, piano manufacturer at Wigmore Street and Grafton Street, Kentish Town. The prospectus of T. E. Brinsmead stated that T. E. Brinsmead had held an important position in John Brinsmead and Sons. However, this was untrue according to Thomas James Brinsmead because T. E. only worked as a mechanic in the factory by piece work. His two sons, Edward and Sydney were also employed at the factory as mechanics. They were skilled in this area but had no particular qualification or special experience. It was also not true according to Thomas James that T. E. Brinsmead “had been mainly responsible for the extremely beautiful sounding boards with which the firm’s instruments were fitted”. Thomas Edward’s work was key bottom making. And according to Thomas James T. E. was “not responsible for personally superintending the adjustment of the delicate parts of the pianofortes”. The defendant and sons were discharged because they had been making pianos on their own account while in the firm’s services. They then started as T. E. Brinsmead and Sons which was subsequently altered after an injunction to Thomas Edward Brinsmead and Sons.
Thomas Edward Brinsmead and his sons were charged with obtaining money under false pretenses, a charge of conspiracy and the making of false statements to the public. Thomas Edward Brinsmead was sentenced to six months’ hard labour.
According on one account online, Thomas Edward was the son of John Brinsmead’s brother George.
Stanley Brinsmead (full name Edward George Stanley Brinsmead) was the son of Thomas Edward Brinsmead. These are personal photos.
Hawkes Bay Tribune 3rd March 1917
Otago Witness 14th April 1915
By the end of 1919 there were rumours that the business was not in great shape, one of the reasons being that WW1 had disrupted the work force. In 1920 the workers went on strike and by April, production had ceased. Even though a compromise was reached in July of that year it was too late to save the company.
Wanganui Chronicle 19th April 1913
In the Western Daily Press dated 7th February 1920 there is an article entitled “The Moral of the Brinsmeads”. Henry Billinghurst, the managing director, says that the closing of the Brinsmead piano factory is one of national importance. Even though the company is overwhelmed with orders which would keep the factory producing up to speed for two years the output per worker is too small in comparison with what it used to be. He also states that the German market is reviving, and this is favoured by the low value of the mark. Another aspect he raises is the fact that in the American production of pianos that even though wages are high the workers produce the “utmost possible work”. In the American factories one piano is produced by two men whereas in the UK it requires 26 men. The article asks the readers to remember that recently it was said “Strike upon strike, demand upon demand until there is no profit left for the capitalists”.
The business was reopened for a short time in mid-February 1920.
In the Grey River Argus dated the 15th June 1920 it describes the closure of the Brinsmead piano business. It informs their readers that “the old established form of John Brinsmead and Sons, Ltd, created a sensation by issuing a notice of dismissal to its 300 employees on the grounds that the works and business were being closed. There was no dispute as to wages but the firm apparently saw nothing but bankruptcy ahead if it continued the business of piano manufacturing on present lines. The managing director said: Output, instead of rising has steadily fallen, and whereas before the war it took less than six men to complete a piano, and in 1918 12 men, today the rate of production means 26 men to a piano and it is still paying more in wages alone, on their reduced output, than the price they are able to sell their pianos at. The factory manager, in a circular to the employees, expressed “intense regret and disappointment:” of the directors being compelled to close the factory. He pointed out that the factory wages alone exceeded the selling price. “The cost of polishing only” said the manager “is approximately equal to the pre-war prime cost of the completed piano, including materials”. Some of the employees had been with the firm for over 40 years and the firm had a reputation as a good employer. Before the war 1000 Brinsmead pianos were exported every year, and some time ago the firm offered a production bonus a year of £30,000 a year to their workers. The managing director stressed the fact that it cost “in labour alone to polish a piano as much as the completed instrument, labour and material die in 1913 – 1914. There was no question of competition – German or otherwise - being responsible for the present state of affairs. If the men had only worked as hard as they did before the war the firm could have carried on at a profit. In 1914 baby grands were sold at £84. The present price was £220 – and the firm lost money on each sale. Two very lengthy conferences were held with the worker and it was eventually agreed that the works were to be continued “on probation”. It was officially stated that the employees were confident of the ability to achieve the desired results”.
An article in the New Zealand Times dated the 25th March 1922 states “a liquidator has been appointed for the Brinsmead Pianoforte Manufacturing Company formed in 1916 with a capital of £100,000 to acquire the company formed in 1899. The failure is attributed to losses in 1919 and 1920 due to the low output, and to subsequent labour troubles. After the assets are realized there will still be £35,000 owing to the second debenture-holders and £23,000 owing to unsecured creditors”.
The assets were sold to J. B. Cramer and Company and they continued to produce Brinsmead pianos. Kemble and Company bought out the Cramer firm in 1964 which also continued to make Brinsmead pianos.
A short article in the New Zealand Times dated 24th May 1924 wishes to clarify the situation concerning John Brinsmead and Sons. It says that the liquidation was for the purpose of reconstruction. The company was concerned that the public thought that the firm had gone out of business entirely.
A warning is given to the public in the New Zealand Times dated 29th March 1926 concerning pianos named Stanley Brinsmead being offered for sale in Wellington. It states that these pianos have no connection whatsoever with John Brinsmead and Sons.
Death of John Brinsmead
At the end of his life, even though he was not actively working in the firm, he still tested many of the pianos that were being built at the factory.
John Brinsmead died late on Monday evening on the 17th February 1908 at 16 Albert Road, Regent’s Park. According to newspaper articles of the time, he was unaware that his wife Susan, had predeceased by a few weeks as he had been barely conscious since that time.
At the time of Brinsmead’s death, there were two sons living, Horace George and Walter Sydney.
John Brinsmead considered that one of the reasons for his longevity was his rule of never riding when he could walk. According to the Grey River Argus dated 19th May 1906 he would rise at seven, walk a mile to his works, return for breakfast, walk to his office afterwards and return on foot at night. He also indulged in smoking a cigar a day.
John Brinsmead’s funeral was conducted at the St Mark’s Parish Church, Albert Road, Regent’s Park. His sons (Walter) Sidney and Horace Brinsmead were principal mourners along with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr and Mrs Billinghurst. There were 70 floral tributes including one from the directors of the piano business, a floral wreath from the employees of the firm, one from the Society of Piano and Reed Manufacturers and one from George Grossmith, a former Gilbert and Sullivan singer and actor.
In his will John Brinsmead left an annuity for his son Walter Sydney and for his two sisters, Fanny Hawkesly and Jane Homan. Considering that this will would have been written prior to his wife’s death, she has an annuity of £1000 from his business. She also has the use of his household and personal effects as well as his residence, with the remainder going to his daughter Emily Eliza. The residue of his property is left between his children Thomas John Brinsmead (he predeceased him), Horace George, Edgar William (also predeceased him), Laura Elizabeth Bauer, Rosa Ann Billinghurst and Emily Eliza Brinsmead or their respective issue. The shares for his sons Edgar and Horace are retained upon trust for their benefit.
Life and Death of Horace George Brinsmead
Horace Brinsmead is in Auckland in late October 1881.
The Evening Post of the 30th December 1882 states that ‘Mr Horace Brinsmead, a representative of the celebrated form of John Brinsmead and Sons, pianoforte manufacturers, has just arrived in Wellington from London with examples of two entirely new designs in those favourite instruments. Several of the novelties in construction constitute most important improvements in tone and touch, one especially, which enables the quickest repetition to be effected with the utmost clearness and crispness, while the richness of their fortissimo and the delicacy of their pianissimo are equalled by their delightful ease and smoothness in manipulation, In addition to their superiority in these respects, the artistic merit of their casing deserves special notice. The cases are in an entirely new design of ebonized pear-tree wood, most gracefully decorated in the modern aesthetic style by Mr L. F. Gilas, the same artist who decorated the piano which was the Duke of Edinburgh’s wedding present to the Duke of Albany’.
Horace Brinsmead visits Auckland in early January 1883.
In the Auckland Star 1st November 1894 there is an article about Mr H. G. Brinsmead. He is passing through the city en route to the Hobart Exhibition which was opening in December of that year. The company was intending to display several of their ‘improved’ pianos at this exhibition. These ‘improved’ pianos were the first of their kind to be exported to Australia and New Zealand. Some of these pianos were on display at a business in the city so the article encourages people to go and view them. The features of the upright pianos are – seven octaves, complete metal frames covering the wrest plank, patent perfect repeater action, and a sostenonte (this is the word written in the article) sounding board. The article continues with a description of the tone of the piano as the writer had been able to play ine of these new instruments.
In the 1901 UK Census Horace and his wife Alice are living in St Peter, Hampstead. His occupation is piano manufacturer of musical instruments. He has five children, the eldest age 14 is a daughter, the other four children are sons. His youngest son was born in London, the others were born in Australia implying that the family returned to the UK in 1897.
The Auckland Star of 11th May 1905 states ‘Mr Horace G. Brinsmead, of Great Marlborough Street, London (formerly managing director of John Brinsmead and Sons, Limited) has appointed as his agents in Auckland Messers G. Richardson and Co, 200 Queen Street. The “Horace G. Brinsmead” piano is, is it claimed, one of the finest of high-class English instruments now manufactured”.
Horace Brinsmead is in Wellington in June 1905. An article at that time states that Horace Brinsmead resigned as managing director of John Brinsmead and Sons in 1904. In this article in the New Zealand Times 14th June 1905 there is a lot of discussion concerning German versus English piano production. This article states that “Mr Brinsmead took so much interest in the colonies during a long visit that he purchased an estate of about 1200 acres near Cairns in Queensland. Under a manager, the place was turned into a sugar-cane plantation. Afterwards, he went for tobacco growing but now the holding has been cut up into small fruit and vegetable growing farms, which are held on lease, mostly by Chinese”. An interesting statistic in this article shows the numbers of English versus German pianos imported into New Zealand in the years 1901 – 1904. In 1901 there were 1164 English pianos and 2640 German pianos imported into New Zealand. The following year there were 1336 English pianos and 2432 German pianos imported. Following that in 1903, there were 1257 English pianos and 2360 German pianos imported. And lastly in 1904, there were 1861 English pianos and 2360 German pianos imported.
Otago Witness 6th December 1905
In the New Zealand Herald dated 13th December 1905, that “Mr Horace G. Brinsmead, formerly managing director of the English piano firm of John Brinsmead and Sons, Limited is just concluded a tour of New Zealand. Mr Brinsmead, on resigning his position with the parent “Brinsmead” firm two years ago, entered into business as a piano manufacturer on his own account”. Horace Brinsmead states in the article that per capita, New Zealanders are the greatest purchasers of pianos in the world. He flatters the reader by saying that the musical culture in New Zealand surpasses that of any other colonies.
In 1905 an article in the Gisborne Times definitively states that “the Horace G Brinsmead piano is not, and has no connection with the John Brinsmead and Sons’ instruments. This notice is inserted on account of an advertisement appearing in a local paper to the effect that the public were to be warned. Horace G. Brinsmead is the late managing director of the well known form of John Brinsmead and Sons and a son of the above family, which should be quite sufficient guarantee as to the quality of the Horace G. Brinsmead pianos’’.
In the Evening Post dated 12th April 1907 there is an article concerning five pianos on display in two shops in Wellington. These pianos had come from Horace Brinsmead’s factory in London and the wood used for their cases came from New Zealand. At Mr Brinsmead’s request the Auckland Veneer and Timber Co sent Home some puriri, totara and kauri for use in the construction of the pianos. It discusses the beauty of the contrast of the totara and puriri woods.
Horace Brinsmead, a pianoforte manufacturer, was found dead on Tuesday 21st July 1908 at his warehouse in John Street, Tottenham Court Road, with a bullet through his heart and a six-chambered revolver by his side. One chamber of the weapon had been discharged. He was aged 52 years and he left a letter addressed to his wife stating that he was expecting some trouble. He had been badly affected by a bout of influenza. One account states that he was not a member of the firm, John Brinsmead and Sons.
A few days prior to the suicide Horace Brinsmead was present at the wedding of his daughter.
Another account states that the death of Horace Brinsmead took place at Hanway Street, Tottenham Court Road. He had ceased any connection to his father’s firm seven years prior to his death. The verdict from the coroner was suicide whilst temporarily insane.
An article in the Bay of Plenty Times of 21st September 1908 tells of Horace Brinsmead’s death. It tells of his devotion to his mother and that he was shocked by her death in December of the previous year. Just after his mother’s death he became ill, and his father’s death a few weeks later was a blow to him.
According to this article he began his working life in the Royal Navy followed by a time in the merchant service. After this he went through training at his father’s business. He worked up the colonial business for many years before becoming a partner in the firm, becoming a managing director in 1901 when the business became a limited company. He resigned his position and went into business himself. His business made an improvement in the piano mechanism by way of a metal bridge.
It finishes by saying that ‘he was a well-known amateur boxer winning the middle-weight amateur championship of England in 1878 and the Australian championship the following year. In one year, he took the feather-weight, middle-weight and heavy-weight championships of the National Rifle Association’.
Family of John and Susan Brinsmead
Although one account states that John and Susan Brinsmead had 11 children I can only locate evidence of 9 children in the family, five sons and four daughters.
Susan 1838
Susan Brinsmead, daughter of John and Susan Brinsmead of Windmill Street is baptised at St Pancras, Middlesex on the 2nd May 1838. She was born on 30th April 1838. John is a Pianoforte maker.
Susan Brinsmead, aged one week is buried on common ground on the 10th May 1838 at Whitefield’s Memorial Church in Camden, Middlesex.. She is from the parish of St Pancras.
John 1841
Cannot locate a baptism record for John.
John Brinsmead died on the 30th September 1863, aged 22 years old. He is buried with his parents and brother Edgar in Highgate Cemetery West, Grave 12612. The cause of death is ‘disease of the spinal cord resulting in paraplegia’. His brother, Thomas was present at the
Rosa Ann 1843
Rosa Ann Brinsmead, daughter of John and Susan Brinsmead of 15 Charlotte Street is baptised at St Marylebone, Middlesex on the 2nd April 1843. She was born on the 29th December 1842. John is a Pianoforte maker.
The wedding of Rosa Ann Brinsmead and Henry Farncombe Billinghurst takes place on April 3rd 1873 at the All Souls Church, St Marylebone. Henry is a widower and works as a bank manager. Rosa is a spinster and living at 15 Wigmore St, St Marylebone. The witnesses are John and Emily Brinsmead. Henry was first married in 1858.
Death of Henry Farncombe Billinghurst of 7 Oakcroft Road Blackheath Kent on 3rd November 1912. Probate 12th December 1912 to Rosa Ann Billinghurst widow Henry Billinghurst piano manufacturer and Alice Emily Billinghurst spinster. Effects £27121 5s 10d.
Rosa Ann Billinghurst dies on 30th January 1931 and her address was 87 York Mansions Battersea Park, Surrey. Probate to Henry Billinghurst retired manager and Alice Emily Billinghurst spinster. Effects £22832 5s.
Thomas James 1844
Thomas James Brinsmead, son of John and Susan Brinsmead of 15 Charlotte Street is baptised at St Marylebone, Middlesex on the 29th December 1844. He was born on the 25th September 1844. John is a Pianoforte maker.
Death of Thomas James Brinsmead of “The Limes” 7 Fellowes Road, South Hampstead on 9th November 1906. Probate London 18th December 1906 to Elizabeth Brinsmead widow and Herbert John Brinsmead pianoforte iron-monger. Effects £14933 1s 4d.
In one of the death notices it states that Thomas James Brinsmead was a principal director of the Welsbach Company.
He was buried in Hampstead Cemetery.
Illuminated address for George D. Rose (See Marshall and Rose). Herbert J. Brinsmead was the grandson of John Brinsmead, son of Thomas James Brinsmead.
Obtained from the NSW State Library.
Laura Elizabeth 1846
Laura Elizabeth Brinsmead, daughter of John and Susan Brinsmead of 15 Charlotte Street is baptised at St Marylebone, Middlesex on the 31st May 1846. She was born on the 13th May 1846. John is a Pianoforte maker.
On the 4th July 1872 Laura Elizabeth Brinsmead and Gilbert Lewis Bauer are married at St Marylebone, Middlesex. She is a spinster and her father John is a pianoforte manufacturer. Gilbert Bauer is a bachelor and works as a harmonium manufacturer.
Nelson evening Mail 26th April 1886
Death of Gilbert Bauer of 5 Leighton Road Dover on 30th April 1901. Administration 29th June 1901 to Laura Elizabeth Bauer widow. Effects £50.
Oxford Observer 15th February 1890
Death of Laura Elizabeth Bauer widow of Dominion Buildings Salisbury Southern Rhodesia on 25th October 1932 at the Salisbury Hospital. Probate 21st December 1932 to Alice Emily Billinghurst spinster and Walter Brinsmead Billinghurst M.B. Effects £20472 5s 4d.
Edgar William 1848
Edgar William Brinsmead, son of John and Susan Brinsmead, is baptised on 1st December 1850 at St Marylebone, Middlesex. He was born on the 20th March 1848.
Edgar William Brinsmead is listed as being blind in the 1891 Census.
Emily Eliza 1849
Emily Eliza Brinsmead, daughter of John and Susan Brinsmead, is baptised on 1st December 1850 at St Marylebone, Middlesex. She was born on the 12th August 1849.
Emily Eliza Brinsmead, aged 37, a spinster and James Doddridge, aged 58, a bachelor are married on the 14th July 1908 at Hove Parish Church. His occupation is gentleman Eliza’s father is John Brinsmead, deceased, a piano manufacturer. One of the witnesses is Sydney Brinsmead.
Death of Emily Eliza Doddridge (wife of James Doddridge) on 6th April 1838 at Rudford House Rudford Gloucestershire. Probate London23rd June to said James Doddridge of no occupation Alfred Billinghurst artist and William Latey barrister-at-law. Effects £65845 16s 9d.
Walter Sydney 1851
Walter Sydney Brinsmead, son of John and Susan Brinsmead of Charlotte Street is baptised at St Pancras, Middlesex on the 21st January 1852 He was born on 29th December 1851. John is a Pianoforte maker.
Death of Walter Sydney of Cambridge House QUEENS Road, Isle of Wight on the 3rd January 1937. Probate 14th May to William Latey barrister-at-law. Effects £714819s 11d.
Horace George 1855
Horace George Brinsmead, son of John and Susan Brinsmead of 15 Charlotte Street is baptised at St Marylebone, Middlesex on the 18th February 1855. He was born on the 4th June 1854. John is a Pianoforte maker.
Henry Brinsmead, brother of John Brinsmead born 1812
In the Robson’s Directory for London in 1841 there are three entries for the Brinsmead family. Firstly, there is Henry, a pianoforte maker, 3 Upper Grafton Street, Manchester Square. Then there is John Brinsmead, also a pianoforte maker of 40 Windmill St, Tottenham Court Road and also at the same address is Susan Brinsmead, staymaker of the same address as John’s.
Henry Brinsmead of Upper Grafton Street, Fitzroy Square a pianoforte manufacturer is initiated into the Royal Althestan Lodge on the 11th February 1846.
In the 1851 Census Henry is listed as a pianoforte manufacturer at 3 Upper Grafton Road, St Pancras.
Henry Brinsmead, a widower marries Mary Ann Gladstone, a widow on 17th August 1858 at St Pancras, Middlesex. He is a pianoforte manufacturer and his father Henry Brinsmead is deceased.
In the Tablet newspaper dated January 15th 1859 there is an advertisement for Henry Brinsmead pianos. It states “Henry Brinsmead begs to call the attention of Ladies and Gentlemen about to purchase his first-class pianos, warranted unequalled for tone, touch, appearance, durability and price, from 20 guineas and upwards at 12 Rathbone Place, Oxford Street. N.B. Pianos for hire, with or without option to purchase. Established 1836”.
In the 1861 Census Henry Brinsmead is listed as a pianoforte manufacturer. The address is 12 Rathbone St, Marylebone.
In the there is an advertisement in the Wolverhampton Chronicle on May 25th 1864 for a Henry Brinsmead piano. It is headed with “By Her Majesty’s Royal Letters Patent”, Grand Check self-escapement and repetition action pianofortes manufactured by Henry Brinsmead, Oxford Street London. It states that with the new action it entirely prevents blocking, and it does not require regulating. These pianos are sold by a business in Wolverhampton and it states that many have been sold and these have provided “unqualified satisfaction”.
In the London City Directory of 1875, Henry Brinsmead is listed as a pianoforte manufacturer the address being 12 Rathbone Place, W & Black Horse yard, Rathbone Place.
According to one article online from John Brinsmead Piano Man, John Brinsmead bought out his brother’s pianoforte making business at some stage.
Henry and Elizabeth Brinsmead are living in Holdenhurst Hampshire in the 1881 Census. He is a pianoforte manufacturer and living with them are three of their grandchildren.
1886 Henry Brinsmead dies on the 16th February 1886, he is listed as a pianoforte manufacturer. His grandson was present at the death.
Henry Brinsmead, aged 73 years old, a retired pianoforte manufacturer is buried in the churchyard of All Saints, Branksome Park in Dorset on the 20th February 1886. His address is South Aldhelms, Branksome.
There is a Henry Brinsmead reconditioned mahogany piano advertised for £10 for sale in the Edinburgh Evening News on the 3rd August 1935.
From personal ephemera collection.
References
Pianos and their Makers, A Comprehensive History of the Development of the Piano, Alfred Dolge, Dover Publications, New York, 1972 from the original publication in 1911.
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