Ronson Baby Grand

[Andrea Larsen]

Hello. Well after searching for ages I think I have finally found a site which may be able to help. I knew about the Ronsen hammers, but the Ronsen piano my Dad has been playing since I was a child, and bought I think in the 1930's was a name apparently unheard of. I cant find out anything at all about this firm, then today - a glimmer. A piano tuner said he remembered the name and to try you. This piano has a truly wonderful tone, metal frame, mahogony case, ivory keys, no markings that I have yet found. Dad mentioned that there was a German connection but I dont know if this is correct. He was in Pembrokeshire when he bought it, but no local dealers to consult. Any info anybody, we would be so pleased to hear it. Thanks. Andrea.

[Bill Kibby]

Around 1883, Clarence Lyon founded a piano-making firm at Medlar Street, Camberwell, known as Cremona Ltd. The name was chosen out of admiration for the fine stringed instruments made in Cremona, Italy. Clarence Lyon designed both the interior and exterior of the Cremona pianos, and made wholesale pianos for the trade under various names, such as Paul Newman, Ronson, Barnes of London, Cranes of Manchester, Rushworth and Dreaper of Liverpool and Squire & Longson. Brinsmead also produced a piano called Cremona, with the same address on it as Squire & Longson.

[Andrea Larsen]

Thank you Mr Kibby, thats a good start, and now I may have somewhere to start digging.I appreciate your help. Andrea.