Made in Manchester: Instruments of the Higham Firm

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Of all the provincial British brass instrument makers, the firm of Joseph Higham was the longest-lasting and the most productive and innovative, energetically competing with the major London makers. The firm was established in Manchester by Joseph Higham in 1842 and operated independently until 1923, and then as a subsidiary until 1939; the name was revived as a brand for some 20 years post-war. Joseph Higham, and latterly J. Higham Ltd, did the bulk of their business with the brass bands of Northern England, but also exported around the world. Their instruments were mostly mainstream models differing little from those of their London competitors or from French imports, but their production did include instruments with special features and some of innovative design. This article provides a brief company history and describes the firm's more inventive and characteristic models.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)161-178, 156-157
Number of pages20
JournalGalpin Society Journal
Volume71
Publication statusPublished or Performed - 31 Mar 2018

Author keywords

Keywords
  • musical instruments, Higham, musical instruments - commerce