I have a piano Rushworth, Kensington model, probably from the early '900. I'd be curious to know the history of this model, the actual years of production and sales. I am Italian and this piano was given to me by a friend who had purchased antiques at an auction in England.
In Italy I could not find useful information and I do not find similar examples so let me know the quotations and if there is a way or a person capece to repair the piano because have any broken gavel and some key stops. For those who wish can send photos of the piano.
Thanks
Antonio
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Dear Antonio,
ReplyDeleteRushworth's was founded by William Rushworth [in 1828], a pipe organ builder in Yorkshire. In the late 1800s the company moved to Liverpool. Apparently a piano was sold from the offices, almost by accident, and it was then they decided to sell pianos to the general public. This was the start of the piano retail site. At first pianos were made by Clarence Lyon of London, and not long after Rushworth's began producing classic British pianos alongside their world-famous organ building, which is now in its fifth generation under the leadership of Alastair Rushworth. It has become the largest organ builder in the UK. Around 1921 Rushworth also acquired pianos from Squire & Longsons for ?29.00 and resold them for ?49 guineas.
Edwin Rushworth was partnered with Dreaper from around 1905, and the name continued until modern times.
Apparently a piano was sold from the offices, almost by accident, and it was then they decided to sell pianos to the general public. This was the start of the piano retail site. At first pianos were made by Clarence Lyon of London, and not long after Rushworth's began producing classic British pianos alongside their world-famous organ building, which is now in its fifth generation under the leadership of Alastair Rushworth. It has become the largest organ builder in the UK. Around 1921 Rushworth also acquired pianos from Squire & Longsons for £29.00 and resold them for £49 guineas.
In 1969 the piano retail side formed into a separate company. This was after piano production was stopped at the St. Anne Street workshop to allow them to concentrate on organ building.
In 1998 the piano retail side went under major reconstruction under the guidance of David Rushworth, and they have introduced a wider range of overseas pianos. The Rushworth piano is now made for Rushworth's in the Far East and is backed up by Rushworth's in-house service facilities.
Rob
Liverpool History Society