Square Piano by Clerment, Berden & Co
Maker:
Clerment, Berden & Co
Number of manuals:
one
Year:
c.1840
Museum:
Belgium Museum of Musical Instruments
Date Range
Current Location:
Belgium
Material:
Painter:
Pedals:
Catalogue Number:
Origin:
Belgium
Type:
Square Piano
François Berden & Cie was a major Belgian piano manufacturer based in Brussels. The company was founded in 1836 when banker François Berden took over and reorganized the former piano firm of Herman Lichtenthal, later working with his nephew François-Hubert Berden.
The firm achieved considerable success and won awards at major exhibitions:
1841 Belgian National Exposition – two grand pianos received prizes.
1844 Belgian National Exposition – awarded a gold medal for a transposing piano and four triple-strung pianos.
1851 Great Exhibition, London – received an honourable mention for a rosewood cabinet piano.
Berden produced a wide range of instruments, including:
Grand pianos
Vertical upright pianos
Oblique and semi-oblique upright pianos
The company expanded steadily:
1840: moved to 72 Rue Royale, Brussels
1855: opened a factory at 32 Boulevard de Waterloo
1864: moved its factory to 42 Rue Keyenveld
Around 1864, François-Hubert Berden (1818–1874) became director. Following his death in 1874, the company was dissolved and taken over by Alfred and Othon Campo, who reorganized the business and continued trading under the name Berden & Cie.
Significance: Berden & Cie was one of the most successful Belgian piano makers of the mid-19th century, earning international recognition and producing a diverse range of piano designs.
Photo Credit: Daderot Wikicommons