John Hardman

Biography

John Hardman was the son of Hugh Hardman, who had founded a New York piano-making firm in 1840 that was among the first to produce good commercial upright pianos. John was admitted to partnership in the business around 1874. Six years later, in 1880, Leopold Peck bought an interest in the firm and its name changed to Hardman, Peck & Company. No further individual detail is given for John Hardman beyond his admission to the partnership. John Hardman was a well-known New York piano maker. Francis Connor took a position with him after returning to New York from several years working as a tuner and repairer in the Southern United States, before Connor started his own piano-manufacturing business in 1877. From Spillane (1890): John Hardman, son of founder Hugh Hardman, became a principal of Hardman, Peck & Company alongside Leopold Peck, after the firm passed through Hardman, Dowling & Peck. He died on November 10, 1889, at the age of forty-six, though the firm name remained unchanged. He was described as an extremely popular member of the house, an excellent tuner, and a practical piano-maker throughout, as well as an inventor: many patented improvements used in the 'Hardman' piano at this period, including the firm's 'key frame support' and 'harp stop,' were originated by him. During his later years he worked on the practical side of the business to elevate the general character of the instrument.

Highlights

• Son of Hugh Hardman; admitted to partnership in the family piano firm about 1874.
• Described as a well-known New York piano maker who employed Francis Connor upon his return from the Southern states
• Son of founder Hugh Hardman; became a principal of Hardman, Peck & Company with Leopold Peck
• An excellent tuner and practical piano-maker as well as an inventor; originated many patented improvements used in the 'Hardman' piano
• Died November 10, 1889, aged 46; the firm name remained unchanged after his death

Sources

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911); Vol. II (1913), p. 77.

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 301, 302.

Public domain.