Erard Frères

Biography:

Erard Frères was a French instrument maker specializing in the production of pianos and harps. The company was founded by Sébastien Erard, who came from Strasbourg to Paris in 1781 and received a license to build musical instruments. In 1788, he established with his brother Jean Baptiste the commercial society Érard Frères, which quickly developed. During the French Revolution, Sébastien Erard took refuge in London where he obtained a patent for an innovative piano mechanism that improved the sound and playability of pianos. The company continued to innovate and produce high-quality instruments throughout the 19th century, becoming one of the most renowned instrument makers in Europe.