Cunningham Piano Company was started in 1891 by Patrick J. Cunningham, an Irish immigrant with a craft and a dream. Through his leadership, commitment to quality, and a keen business sense Cunningham Piano Company quickly became one of Philadelphia’s most respected makers of pianos.
Throughout his tenure as President of the company, Patrick J. Cunningham saw his company expand and thrive, gaining awards for both quality and design. However, the Great Depression was a huge detriment to all businesses and just before the beginning of World War II, Cunningham Piano Company ceased production and their staff focused on helping the war effort. After the war concluded, we began a new chapter. Cunningham Piano Company concentrated on piano restoration.
Dec. 16, 1896. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Today, visitors to Cunningham Piano Company have the opportunity to take a step back in time and tour one of the largest and oldest piano restoration factories in existence. They can look over the shoulders of some of the finest craftspeople in the piano industry as they lovingly bring musical treasures back to life. They can also audition an exciting new addition to the Philadelphia musical community - the New Cunningham Piano!
Patrick J. Cunningham, Founder
Patrick J. Cunningham once said, “We will dispense with the endorsements of Paderewski, Von Bulow, Rubinstein, Wagner, Mendelssohn, and several other celebrities, also prize medals received in Paris, Vienna, London, Philadelphia, and Chicago, by putting our argument to the point, and in a nutshell: We offer $10,000 for a better piano than the Matchless Cunningham.”
Because no one ever took him up on his offer, his piano remained Matchless. It is bold concepts such as this that still echo through the halls of the Cunningham Piano Company.
