James Longman

History

James Longman (circa 1767-1798) was the founder of Longman & Co., a prominent company of music dealers in London, UK, for whom many leading London violin makers worked in the late 18th century.

Longman first established his business at the 'Harp & Crown', 26 Cheapside, which was formerly the premises of John Johnson.

In 1769, he was joined by Lukey, and the firm's title changed to Longman Lukey & Co., briefly moving to St Paul's Churchyard in 1771 while the Cheapside shop underwent renovation.

Robert Broderip became a partner in 1775, leading to the retitling of the business as Longman, Lukey & Broderip.

Following Lukey's departure the next year, the title changed again to Longman & Broderip.

The company expanded further, acquiring a new shop at 13 Haymarket in 1782, and establishing new branches in Margate, Kent, and Brighton, Sussex, in 1789.

According to George Hart, Muzio Clementi was at one time a partner in the firm, which ultimately passed to Collard and Collard.

Craft

• Business Model: Instruments produced by Longman & Co. were sold by the firm, which acted as music dealers and instrument sellers, rather than as actual makers of violins.
• Instrument Types: The firm's brand is frequently found on London trade instruments, often of the Stainer or Amati type.
• Supplying Makers: Makers whose work has been identified with the Longman brands include Henry Jay, David & James Furber, Lockey Hill, and Benjamin Banks.
• Quality: Instruments bearing their label or stamp are generally considered to be of good quality, as they were made by skilled craftsmen such as B. Banks.
• Flutemaking: Sources contain conflicting information regarding James Longman's personal craft; while the firm did not make violins, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that a J. Longman, located at 131 Cheapside, was a flutemaker.

Legacy

• Partnerships: Muzio Clementi was a partner in the firm at one point, as noted by George Hart.
• Succession: The business ultimately passed to Collard and Collard.

Further Information

• Addresses: The firm operated from the 'Harp & Crown' at 26 Cheapside, briefly from St Paul's Churchyard, and later from a new shop at 13 Haymarket.
• Branch Locations: New branches were established in Margate, Kent, and Brighton, Sussex, in 1789.
• Branding: An example of their branding includes "Longman & Broderip / No. 26 Cheapside / No. 13 Hay-Market / London".

Summary

James Longman (circa 1767-1798) founded a prominent London firm of music dealers and instrument sellers, Longman & Co., which evolved through partnerships with Lukey and Broderip to become Longman & Broderip.

Operating from various locations including Cheapside and Haymarket, the company sold instruments made by leading London makers such as Benjamin Banks and Henry Jay, often featuring the firm's own label or stamp.

While the firm itself did not produce violins, James Longman is noted by some sources as having been a flutemaker.