Francis Bacon

Biography

Francis Bacon, son of George Bacon, entered his father's New York piano firm as a partner following George Bacon's death in 1856. The business he helped continue was incorporated in 1904 as the Bacon Piano Company. His own son, W. H. P. Bacon, later served as the company's vice-president. From Spillane (1890): Francis Bacon was the son of George Bacon, whom he succeeded in the firm upon his father's death in 1856, at which point the house became Raven & Bacon. He was noted as "an element of progressiveness" in the firm's history, being specially schooled in piano-making in addition to having an excellent education. When Raven & Bacon dissolved in 1871, Mr. Karr joined him to form Bacon & Karr; when Karr left in 1880, the Francis Bacon piano brand appeared. His instruments were said to be "replete with all standard improvements" and to compare favorably on price with most pianos made, a result attributed to his long experience and practical knowledge. At the time of writing he was "an esteemed member of the metropolitan piano trade." Francis Bacon, one of the sons of George Bacon, took his late father's place in the New York piano firm in 1856, at which point it became known as Raven & Bacon. The house had been prominent in the trade since 1836, and Spillane notes that many of the era's most eminent piano men had at some point worked in its shop, giving the firm a lasting association with the early days of American pianoforte-making.

Highlights

• Son of George Bacon; entered the firm as partner after his father's death in 1856
• Son of George Bacon; took his father's place in the firm in 1856, forming Raven & Bacon.
• The firm was described as very prominent in the trade since 1836, training many of the era's most eminent piano men.
• Succeeded his father, George Bacon, in the firm in 1856, forming Raven & Bacon.
• Formed Bacon & Karr in 1871 after Raven & Bacon dissolved; in 1880 launched the Francis Bacon piano brand.
• Described as "an esteemed member of the metropolitan piano trade" at time of writing.

Sources

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 277.

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 108, 109, 224.

Public domain.