Jacob Kirkman came to London, England in the early 1730's to work as a foreman to the harpsichord manufacturer, Hermann Tabel. When Tabel died Jacob married Hermann's widow and took control of the business. Around 1773, having no children of his own, he asked his nephew Abraham to come from Bischweiler and join him as a partner in the business.

Their business was very successful and later moved on to making pianofortes where they rivalled with the equally renowned Broadwood company. The Kirkman business was famous in its time and provided instruments to Charlotte, Queen of George III and to Thomas Jefferson in America.

Georgiana Kirkman, who died 1898, was the last person to be custodian of the famous Kirkman piano makers business.

From a book entitled 'A Short History Of A Great House' by Edward Lamburn (London 1938) page 24 gives a brief summary of the transfer of the Kirkman business to John Clementi Collard, rival piano maker (later to become Collard and Collard).

The Kirkman male line having ceased Georgiana was having difficulty maintaining the size and standard of the house she approached John Clementi Collard. She explained her position and indicated that the business was available for disposal.

He asked her the terms. She answered "That you take the business as it stands, at certified cost."

He asked about the name and goodwill. She replied "An undertaking that you will not dispose of it, and that you will continue to regard it on the same traditions as your own." 

He agreed, "Yes, I am willing to do that; but the price?"

"That is the price." She replied.

So over a hundred years of goodwill changed hands under such unique conditions.

A fuller history has been posted on the following site which I encourage you to visit

                    http://www.uk-piano.org/history/kirkman/

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