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Vol. 86 July 18, 2026 No. 19

Thomas Butcher

English

founder
  • Challen & Son (predecessor firm)

Biography

Thomas Butcher founded a piano-making shop in 1804. In 1816 he admitted William Challen as a partner. Upon Butcher's retirement in 1830, Challen took over as sole owner of the firm, which went on to produce upright pianos successfully and was eventually known as Challen & Son.

Highlights

  • Started a piano shop in 1804
  • Took William Challen as partner in 1816; retired in 1830, leaving Challen sole owner

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 247.

Public domain.

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