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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012; 12 years ago (2012) |
| Headquarters | Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire, UK |
| Products | Pianos |
| Website | www |
Cavendish Pianos is a brand of pianos made at Yorkshire Pianos, the only company producing pianos still wholly built in the United Kingdom.
History
Inspired by the closure of the Yamaha Kemble factory in Milton Keynes, Adam Cox and his wife Charlie used their experience as piano dealers and repairers together with investment from the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, to begin production of their own brand of pianos in the United Kingdom. The Cavendish name comes from the Duke of Devonshire, whose support was critical to the foundation of the firm. The Cox family, with three piano-playing daughters, have regularly acted as hosts for players in the Leeds International Piano Competition.
The firm was founded in 2012 after a three-year period of planning and research. The first three Cavendish pianos were shown at the Musikmesse trade fair in Frankfurt in 2012.
In September 2013, Jamie Cullum visited the firm while recording a BBC Radio 4 documentary, Jamie Cullum's Piano Pilgrimage, due for broadcast in January 2014.
Pianos
Cavendish source their skills and materials from the Yorkshire area. The firm has organized and works with a network of local craftsmen who produce key parts of the pianos, which they call a "craftsman's co-operative". The firm also has links to Lincoln College, which is the last facility in the UK to teach piano technology, and it has provided employment to graduates of the college.
The firm currently produces five models of piano:
Grand pianos
- Cavendish Baby Grand: 152 cm
- Cavendish Boudoir Grand: 186 cm
Upright pianos
- Cavendish Classic: 112 cm
- Cavendish Contemporary: 121 cm
- Cavendish Chatsworth: 124 cm
The Times notes in February 2013 that prices of the upright models start at £4,995, which reflects the British manufacture using traditional materials and skills.
Music Instrument Professional has reviewed the Cavendish Classic model which it says is "an affordable, compact piano built around a solid spruce soundboard. A family-focused instrument retailing at under £5,000, the Classic is built in the traditional way, with all wooden action and parts. The Chatsworth 125 was designed in the style of a 1920s British upright. From the cabinet maker build, solid walnut paneled case to the British ash and oak used in the pedal mechanism, this is a fairly unique specimen."
The company produces around 50 instruments per year.
Awards
- 2013 Shortlisted for Best Acoustic Piano at the MIA Music Awards
- 2014 Winner of Best Acoustic Piano award at the MIA Music Awards
References
- ^ Sawer, Patrick (1 August 2017). "Prince Charles bemoans decline of 'treasured' craft skills". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ Morrison, Richard (27 February 2013). "Cavendish Pianos really are in a field of their own". The Times. Retrieved 20 November 2018.(subscription required)
- ^ Wainwright, Martin (20 March 2012). "Cowsheds resound with output of first British piano maker for 78 years". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ Newman, Rose (10 March 2013). "Made in UK". Music Industry News. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- "Bolton Abbey boogie at Yorkshire's only piano factory". Yorkshire Post. 9 March 2012. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
- "Jamie Cullum's Piano Pilgrimage at Bolton Abbey". Yorkshire Post. 20 September 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- "New British Piano range from Cavendish". www.cavendishpianos.com. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
- Savage, Adam (26 September 2012). "Piano buyers guide". MiPRO, Musical Instrument Professional. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- "Shortlist 2013". MIA Music Awards. Retrieved 13 December 2013.