F. W. Collard

Biography

F. W. Collard, partner with W. P. Collard in the firm of F. W. & W. P. Collard (associated with Muzio Clementi as Clementi & Company), obtained several patents for piano improvements as early as 1811. While Clementi's fame as virtuoso and composer benefited the young firm, it was Collard's mechanical and inventive genius that established its lasting reputation, which continued under the name Collard & Collard after Clementi's retirement. From Spillane (1890): Frederick W. Collard, a practical student of pianoforte building, co-founded the house of Collard in 1800 together with Clementi. After starting in business he made many notable progressions in his methods of construction, which helped build up the reputation of the firm's instruments; the establishment later became known as Collard & Collard.

Highlights

• Obtained several patents for piano improvements as early as 1811
• His mechanical and inventive genius established the lasting reputation of the firm that became Collard & Collard
• A practical student of pianoforte building who co-founded the Collard firm with Clementi in 1800
• Made many notable progressions in construction methods after starting in business, helping build the firm's reputation

Sources

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911).

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), p. 31.

Public domain.