Welmar was a British builder established in London in 1876, the company existed until 2003 when the British Piano Manufacturing Company of Stroud closed its doors; they had owned the brand name since the 1990s. Though the name is not quite so recognised as those of Chappell or Broadwood, Welmar pianos are renowned for their high quality construction, making the instruments sturdy and reliable, and ideal candidates for restoration.
Most Welmars from the London-owned period are uprights, with a few rather fine smaller baby grands. Case styles range from very elegant art-deco styles (such as our grand pictured below) to more functional mid-century styles. Finishes are mostly natural wood of various shades, with black being much rarer. Welmar were Bluthner’s UK importer before the war, and the company learned much from dealing with Bluthner’s high quality German instruments; several models of Welmar grand are very similar in construction to Bluthners of the same era. Welmar instruments are typically British, with consistent, responsive keyboard actions and clear, though never bright, tone.
We usually have at least one Welmar upright in stock in our showroom and we source grands when we can.
Fully restored 1945 Welmar 4’10” Grand