There is a tradition of piano making in Britain which stretches back over 200 years. Many of history’s greatest composers owned and played British pianos: Chopin, Liszt, J C Bach among many others. In the ‘golden age of piano making’ Britain boasted 360 piano makers at the turn of the century which supplied the entire globe. Sadly, this great industry has now all but disappeared from our shores.
Notably in April 2003 The British Piano Manufacturing Co. and in October 2009 Kemble Pianos closed their gates for the last time. Cavendish Pianos, based in Yorkshire, are resurrecting the lost art of piano making in Britain through the creation of a Craftsman’s Co-operative. Thus, rather than being produced in one factory, Cavendish Pianos are made by a series of small businesses each with their own speciality, including piano builders, action specialists, stringers, cabinet-makers, polishers, and piano tuners.
Piano hammer manufacturing and recovering became extinct in the UK about 20-25 years ago. After much research, Robert Fielder of Anglia Pianos has relearnt the skills and methods.
Lack of Equipment and Tools – One of the significant challenges facing piano makers in the UK is the shortage of highly specialised equipment and tools required for precision craftsmanship. Unlike mass production industries, piano making involves unique, often traditional tools that are not readily available through standard manufacturing suppliers.
Limited Availability of Raw Materials – The UK also faces significant constraints in accessing key raw materials necessary for piano construction. Many of the finest materials traditionally used in piano making are either scarce or entirely unavailable domestically. A prominent example is high-quality piano hammer felt, which must be imported from specialist producers abroad.
Declining Skilled Workforce – The craft of piano making requires highly specialised skills—many of which are learned through years of apprenticeship and hands-on experience.
High Production Costs – Manufacturing pianos in the UK is expensive due to high labour costs, energy prices, workshop rents, and regulatory compliance. When compared to countries with lower overheads or government-subsidised arts and crafts industries, UK-based manufacturers struggle to remain price-competitive—particularly in the mid-range and entry-level market segments.
Our thanks go to our 2025 reviewers:
We consult with a wide range of practitioners and organisations to review and update the Red List. Some choose to remain anonymous but all feedback is taken into account.
If you would like to suggest any changes or additions to this page please contact us here
