Ramsden family in Islington

[Smith122]

Does anyone have any knowledge of the Ramsden family who made pianos in Islington during the 1920s / 30s? Apparently the business folded during the slump. The owners were Bertram and WIlliam Ramsden and I understand the factory was next to a pub possibly called The Fox.

Bertram Ramsden was my grandfather, and he and his brother William parted company at this time. My cousins and I would dearly love to have more information on the business and also trace our other cousins if possible.

[Gill the Piano]

You'd be better asking about this on the History forum; Bill has lots of records at his fingertips. Are they related to Archibald Ramsden who had quite a piano empire Oop North - Leeds and a few other big cities as I recall?

[Bill Kibby]

Gill, you need to take more water with it, this IS the history forum! I am aware of Archibald Ramsden: A century ago, he was one of the largest piano retailers in the country. I'll see what I can find about the London Ramsden, I doubt this was a real maker, but they existed in 1928, and were gone by 1938.

[Bill Kibby]

According to the 1914 Music Trade Directory, Archibald Ramsden had a branch in London, but W. Ramsden made backs for the piano trade, that was probably the "strung back", including soundboard, frame and stringing. His address was 60 Ashbrook Road N. He might well have described himself as "Pianoforte Maker" in the census, but he doesn't seem to have made complete pianos. He was still in business in 1928, but gone by 1938. For more details, you would need to contact local history sources for Islington.