Allison Pianos

of Leighton Road, Kentish Town, London, NW

Background. 'The original founders of the firm Allison and Allison were two brothers, Thomas and Robert Allison. who commenced making pianofortes in 1837 on premises at 29, Berners-street, Oxford-street. W. They continued in partnership until 1848, and pianos are in existence bearing their label as makers to her Majesty the Queen and the Queen Dowager (one of which will be shown at the present exhibition), after which the business was continued by Mr. Ralph Allison, who later took his two sons into the business and the firm became known as Ralph Allison and Sons, and the place of business was removed to Wardour-street. In 1883 the business was converted into limited liability company under the title of Ralph Allison and Sons (Limited), until the amalgamation with the firm of Arthur Allison and Co., which was founded by J. Arthur Allison and Walter S. Murdoch, early in the 'seventies. That both firms attained distinction may be gathered from the fact that prize medals, awards of merit, and gold medals were won by these firms in London in 1851 and 1885, Paris in 1867, Lima in 1872, and Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1882. In 1911 Arthur Allison and Co. acquired the control of Ralph Allison and Sons (Limited), and after building one of the largest and most modern factories in London, united the efforts of the two companies under the title of Allison Pianos (Limited), the output of which is already in excess of the two concerns. This company are the original inventors and patentees of the Grandette, and were the first to make the combined piano and player in its present form. The Cottage Grandette, which is now in great demand, stands only 3ft. 10in. in height. The latest development of piano manufacture introduced by this company is the dull finish to replace the bright polish. and experts declare that this is more artistic and effective in appearance. Duplicates of the piano exhibited at Olympia are to be sent out to the Auckland Exhibition in December.'

1837 Company established by Robert Allison and Thomas Allison

1848 Partnership dissolved.

1911 Incorporated as a private limited company, uniting Ralph Allison and Son, Allison and Allison, Ralph Allison and Sons Ltd. and Arthur Allison and Co.

1914 Manufacturers of pianofortes. Specialities: highest grade uprights, the "Grandette" and the "Allisonola" player piano. Employees. 200.

1929 Chappell Piano Co acquired Allison Pianos

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