Frederick Keogh, London

[Chopper]

Hello, I am new to this forum and would like some help to identify a piano I have been given. A friend of a friend had it and were about to smash it up and take it to the local tip. I took it off of them as it was such a beautiful old bit of furniture that it seemed a waste. My children love it! It is an old upright, under the lid it say 'Frederick Keogh London'. Under the top lid is a very old sticker that says 'tuned by Chas Jenn Kentish Town' and on the plate inside is a serial 1017.
That's all I can find, can anyone shed any light on it please? Many Thanks.

[Bill Kibby]

I think you have already identified it, as much as anyone can. It's a name that comes up occasionally, I have no information ready on computer about Keogh, but I will see what I can find on card and paper files. No dates of serial numbers are available. Jenn also claimed to be a maker, but many of these people bought in pianos from wholesalers, and applied their own names to them. Any further clues will be hidden inside, so have a look at pianogen.org

[Chopper]

To Bill - thanks for the reply, you could be right, maybe that's all I'll find out about it, I will have a more detailed look at the inside for any more clues or information! I did google Frederick Keogh, he shows up as a piano dealer but it doesn't say if he made them or not, I'll keep looking!

[Chopper]

To Pianolove - I am really glad I rescued it, it's lovely and I can't believe anyone could just chop it up and dump it! We haven't had it long and are giving the children time to see how much interest they show before shelling out for lessons. My eldest boy is looking most likely, he has taught himself some basic tunes using books and the Internet! I need to look at how much lessons cost, do you know what a standard cost for basic lessons would be, I haven't got a clue?

[NewAge]

To Pianolove - I am really glad I rescued it, it's lovely and I can't believe anyone could just chop it up and dump it! We haven't had it long and are giving the children time to see how much interest they show before shelling out for lessons. My eldest boy is looking most likely, he has taught himself some basic tunes using books and the Internet! I need to look at how much lessons cost, do you know what a standard cost for basic lessons would be, I haven't got a clue?

I don't think there is such a thing as a 'standard cost'. As I understand it, the cost of lessons can vary between 18 to 40 pounds depending in which part of the country you are, and of course the reputation of the teacher. I'm sure someone else here can advise you better than I can though.

Don't forget to budget for piano tuning as well; hopefully you can get away with just the one per year - if it will maintain it's pitch.
Even with a child (or an adult) who has taught themselves, it's very important to have some private lessons otherwise one picks up bad habits, which are difficult to rectify later on.
Good luck with your rescued piano. (We have a rescue dog - with bad habits, and he doesn't play too well either)!

[mpet]

I was googling Jenn Pianos and saw your post. My interest is from a genealogy angle as The 'Piano Jenns' are part of my family tree (my maiden name was Jenn). I was so please to see to had rescued the piano and are making use of it. I have only seen pictures of Jenn pianos, so it is good to know ther are still some around.

If you are interested, I can give you some background to the family/piano business - just let me know

[Bill Kibby]

If you would like to email me, I may be able to offer a swap.

1882 Not listed in the Post Office London Directory as a Pianoforte maker.
1884 Business Directory of London; Pianoforte Makers include Frederick Keogh, 88 Church Road, Islington N.
1886 Kelly's Directory; Pianoforte Makers & Warehouses include Frederick Keogh, 88 Church Road, Islington N & 8 Salcott Road, Wandsworth Common SW ; 23 Archway road N & 2a Almorah road, Islington N.
1891 Post Office London Directory; Pianoforte Makers & Warehouses include Frederick Keogh, 88 Church Road, Islington N & 2a Almorah road, Islington N.
1892 Records of the Old Bailey: FREDERICK KEOGH . I live at 88, Church Road, Islington, and am a pianoforte salesman, and act for the firm of E. Keogh and Co.
1892 Our Post Office London Directory does not list Keogh among the Pianoforte makers, but the Street Directory confirms that Frederick Keogh lived at number 88 Church road, describing himself as a Pianoforte manufacturer rather than a salesman.
1894 Kelly's Directory lists Frederick Keogh, 88 Church road, Islington N.
1899 Not listed in Kelly's Directory as a Pianoforte firm.