Northantz_Urbex
Well-known member
Known about this place for years but only recently got over here to have a butchers, The 2 easy access buildings where the piano part manufacturers was based still does have a good bit to see even in its decaying state. The piano production which only account for about 30% of the whole site closed in the 80s but now more recently the last 70% has become disused but very well guarded wit PIR cameras which is gutting as that looks like the best part hopefully soon it comes up available as we noticed a sign from the council from November last year saying demolition has been granted and a new housing estate will be built soon on the land so time is ticking for this huge piece of Roades history, Here is a bit of information i have found on the place,
The sprawling industrial site of Pianoforte lies on the edge of the small rural village of Roade in the heartland of Northamptonshire.
In 1910 a London floor polishing paste firm known as J. Masters&Co began the manufacture of polishing paste on a site nearby the railway tracks along the small village train station.
J. Masters&Co closed after only 12 years in business and was purchased by a former employee, C.T Cripps. In 1923 Cripps founded ‘Pianoforte supplies Ltd’ which was dedicated to the production of castings and fixtures for Piano manufacturers and also successfully produced large quantities of fixture parts for automobiles.
In 1933 the factory suffered from severe fire damage and was rebuilt later that year.
During WWII the factory went into full time production creating spare vehicle and aircraft parts as part of a contribution to the war effort in Britain.
Later during the 1960’s employment peaked with the factory employing just over 1,800 workers, this success was however short lived and when the railway station of Roade was closed in 1964 Pianoforte began a slow journey into gradual decline.
In 1980 the factory ceased to production of piano parts altogether.
Thanks for looking
The sprawling industrial site of Pianoforte lies on the edge of the small rural village of Roade in the heartland of Northamptonshire.
In 1910 a London floor polishing paste firm known as J. Masters&Co began the manufacture of polishing paste on a site nearby the railway tracks along the small village train station.
J. Masters&Co closed after only 12 years in business and was purchased by a former employee, C.T Cripps. In 1923 Cripps founded ‘Pianoforte supplies Ltd’ which was dedicated to the production of castings and fixtures for Piano manufacturers and also successfully produced large quantities of fixture parts for automobiles.
In 1933 the factory suffered from severe fire damage and was rebuilt later that year.
During WWII the factory went into full time production creating spare vehicle and aircraft parts as part of a contribution to the war effort in Britain.
Later during the 1960’s employment peaked with the factory employing just over 1,800 workers, this success was however short lived and when the railway station of Roade was closed in 1964 Pianoforte began a slow journey into gradual decline.
In 1980 the factory ceased to production of piano parts altogether.
Thanks for looking