This would make a great topic and title for a book. The other day, while I was conducting some newspaper research online, I came across the name S. Moutrie and Co. Originally this was for a footnote for an article I’m writing about the dancing world of Shanghai for an upcoming book on social dancing in the 1920s-1930s. Intrigued, I did some research and found out that this was the first company in China to manufacture pianos. The company began in the 1870s, when a Londoner named Sydenham Moutrie moved to Shanghai and set up a business importing pianos to China. He later branched out to Yokohama Japan. In the 1890s, S. Moutrie and Co. began to manufacture pianos built in their shop in Shanghai, using Chinese laborers. The story of how they did so is told in exquisite detail in the news articles below. Eventually the company began to sell other musical instruments and audio equipment for listening to music. Again, we get some wonderful descriptions of Moutrie’s and other music shops that existed in Shanghai, including what sort of equipment they offered, how their shops were set up and arranged, and what sort of music they sold—the lists of song recordings are particularly interesting and precious. All in all there is a treasure trove of information in the newspapers about the company and its operations in Shanghai. In 1907, Moutrie died suddenly, leaving the company for the shareholders and board to continue. Moutrie’s kept apace with technological developments in music and continued to serve as a premier purveyor of musical instruments through the 1930s. By the late 1930s, owing to the economic downturn exacerbated by war, and to technological developments that turned people away from playing instruments and towards listening to sound recordings on radio or gramophone, the business of piano-making was in peril. Yet during the WWII era, Moutrie’s was able to expand its influence and its operations to several Asian countries and cities, as the last article in this collection makes clear.
A New Shanghai Industry.
(North China Herald, 26 April 1895, pg. 637)
Though low exchange is a sad infliction to residents in China generally, it encourages manufactures on the spot for which we used to rely upon Europe, as the bimetallists point out so strongly, and one instance of this can be found in Messrs. S. Moutrie and Co.’s establishment. Formerly the firm used to import all their pianos from Europe, but owing to the great fall in exchange and the cheapness of labour in the East, the firm seriously considered the possibility of making the piano for the most part in Shanghai, importing for the purpose certain essential parts which can only be satisfactorily made at home, and Mr. Sydenham Moutrie’s long experience in Broadwood’s establishment in London and the lengthened residence in the East, eminently fitted him to carry this project to fulfilment. First of all Mr. Moutrie set about procuring the proper wood for the purpose, and this he found could be obtained from Japan, of a quality that was in every way suitable. Of course the greatest care is taken that the wood is thoroughly seasoned, which is done on the Shanghai premises. Mr. Moutrie was fortunate in obtaining a Japan wood that makes an excellent sounding board, which is a very important matter. The wrest plank, into which the keys for tuning are driven, and also the iron frame, metal tuning plate, action, keys and strings are imported from Europe, the freight being comparatively much less than if they formed part of an entire instrument, and this enables the firm to complete in their Shanghai workroom an instrument which is in every way as good as one that could be imported. One of these can now be seen in the Nanking Road. It is a cottage piano in solid hardwood case, ebonised, with an iron frame, metal tuning plates, check action, celluloid keys, being 3ft. 9-in. in height, 4ft. 6in. in width, and 1ft. 11in. in depth. In addition to the iron frame this piano has a very solid wooden frame with seven thick wooden pillars running to the top of the instrument, while the wrest plank— which bears the tension of the strings, estimated in this piano to be about 14 tons— is supported by the iron frame, and bolted right through the wooden pillars at the top, thus effectually preventing the wrest plank from moving down or curling over, which frequently happens in pianos of this description when proper precautionary measures are not taken.
The continued fall in exchange, and the high rate of freight that has to be paid on an instrument when shipped from Europe in a complete condition, rendered it impossible for Messrs. S. Moutrie & Co. to offer a home-made piano at a lower cost than £40, and if even a discount of ten per cent, was allowed, the net cost of £36 represented at the rate of exchange recently touched—say 2/8/1/2—Tls. 265, and yet a similar and equally good piano which is turned out in Shanghai now, can be sold for Tls. 200 or with allowance of cash discount, Tls. ISO. This fact is very significant, and it is probable that before long we shall not only have our pianos manufactured in Shanghai, but many other necessary articles which were formerly obtained direct from Europe.
Messrs. S. Moutrie & Co.’s Piano Factory
(North China Herald, 19 Nov 1897 pg. 914)
About two years ago attention was drawn to the fact that Mr. Moutrie, of Messrs. S. Moutrie & Co., had succeeded in turning out the first piano manufactured in Shanghai. Although only a comparatively short interval has elapsed, what was then necessarily an experiment has grown into a vigorous industry, with the prospect of a bright future. In all some 95 instruments have been made at Messrs. S. Moutrie’s factory in the Nanking Road, and in every case they have given complete satisfaction, being remarkable for excellent tone, and standing the severe climatic changes of China in a surprising way. About six a month are now being completed, and the demand is greater than the supply, the instruments as a rule being sold before they are finished. They jave been sent to the most distant parts of China, as well as to the outports, and, as we have said with every satisfaction. Apart from the advantage of being constructed to resist the climate, which in this part of the world works such havoc with pianos, they have the additional and important recommendation of costing less than the imported article. The counterpart of a cottage piano from home which would cost about Tls. 360, can be bought for say Tls. 250, and for conscientious workmanship, quality of tone, and beauty of design and finish the locally manufactured piano stands the test of strict comparison.
Recently a representative of the N.-C. Daily News had an opportunity of going over the factory, and witnessing the delicate and complex work of building up a piano. It was a most interesting occasion, demonstrating once more the high grade which Chinese artisans can be trained to, and the amazingly accurate results they can attain under competent instruction and supervision. When it is learned that the majority of the operatives have come into Mr. Moutrie’s hands unfamiliar even with a brass screw, the state to which they have been brought as carpenters, joiners, and mechanicians, is a credit to his patience and skill. Before proceeding to write of the work carried on there, a description of the factory in the Nanking Road may not be out of place. The ground floor is principally used for the storage of lumber in its rough state, but of two small rooms partitioned off, one is where the finished instrument is tuned, toned, and regulated, and the other for the storage of actions, keys, and metal parts which require careful keeping. The iron-frames, hammer-felts, wire, etc., are also here, whilst the stock of screws in a variety of sizes is certainly striking. Necessarily great attention has to be paid to the wood used in the piano. The lumber includes beech from Japan, teak from Bangkok, fir and spruce from Vancouver, and poplar from other parts of America. As an instance of the care exercised in the selection of the materials at the factory, it may be stated that Mr. Moutrie has the teak specially surveyed at Bangkok before it is shipped, and it comes up with a guarantee that it is of the best quality, and free from any flaws or defects. In the ordinary course such wood only finds a market in Europe, for the timber coming here usually is only of third quality.
It is on the top, or second floor, that the building of the piano actually takes place. This well-lighted and airy workshop is fitted with strong beams extending to the roof, making a capacious storehouse where the planks season and become fit for use. Speaking generally, the timber goes through a scientific course of acclimatising which lasts for about two years. First of all it is stored in a godown in rough planks for about six months, so as to become gradually dry. Then it is cut into the requisite sizes and placed in racks above large heaters which are on each floor. It remains there about three months, during which time the wood is never cool. Following upon this it is stored in the roof on the top floor, until it is required for use. The construction of the piano commences with the making of the frame, and, although the pianos all have iron frames, still it is considered that they should be supported by the wooden frame, which not only assures solidity to the instrument but also improves the tone. The frame is of very stout American fir, and is covered with a paint and protective varnish to counteract the effect of insects and damp. The string block is of beech, and supports the iron frame at the bottom. The wrest plank, into which the pins for tuning are screwed, is also made of beech imported from Europe. This plank is composed of three thicknesses of wood with the grain crossed, to prevent cracking. The sounding-board is made of spruce, varnished very carefully both at the front and the back. The bridge on the sounding board is imported from home, but the important work of putting in the pins—upon the correct distance of which so much depends, —is done here. The iron frames are imported from Europe, being made to Mr. Moutrie’s own design. They are of special strength, in order to be able to bear with every assurance of safety the great tension of the strings, which amounts in a cottage piano to about 13 tons. The pianos are strung with an amalgam-plated steel wire which resists rust, and though the copper-covered bass strings are at present imported from Europe. Messrs. S. Moutrie & Co. have a machine for making them. The cases of the piano are manufactured throughout of solid wood, no veneer being employed. The majority are of solid teak, but those for ebonising are made of poplar and beech, which being of closer grain take the ebonising better than the teak. The actions and keys are imported, and only check-actions of the very best quality are used. These are fitted into the instrument on the first floor, where the polishing is also carried out. They are also fitted with metal rails at the back to prevent warping, and the fastenings and other supports are all of metal. After this the piano is thoroughly polished and is taken downstairs to the finishing-room, where it is tuned and toned. The pianos are at present made in three or four models, the designs of which are as artistic as the workmanship is satisfactory.
So far we have given a sketch of the interesting processes which eventuate in a delightful instrument, but the success which Messrs. S. Moutrie & Co. have achieved in performing major operations upon pianos which have suffered the effects of time in many ways, are noteworthy, and would excite the admiration of experts.
In one case we saw a Collard and Collard grand, from which the sounding-board had been taken right out to be repaired, the bars having become loose. This arose from the glue having perished, and still further illustrated the importance of paying particular attention to such points where the climate is likely to be trying. In the construction of their pianos, Messrs. S. Moutrie & Co. use a particular kind of fish glue made on the premises.
The marvellous endurance of the glue used in old Chinese furniture has attracted attention, and it is this which induced Mr. Moutrie to experiment in the same direction. Altogether the visitor cannot fail to be struck with the evidence he sees in every little detail of a determination to have the best materials combined with the best workmanship.
The Music Shops
(North China Herald 15 May 1920, pg. 421)
All music shops are interesting, and Moutrie’s is a place to forget one’s troubles. They will put one of their charming new records on the Victrola and away goes dull care. Have you heard “If You Could Care,” by Frances Alda, or the new “Minuet” by Heifetz for the violin, or “La Campana di San Guisto” sung by Caruso, as only Caruso can sing? Tetrazzini sings a Solveig’s Song, and Mabel Garrison sings “Khaki Sammy-’’ They are all new and should be added to your collection as soon as possible. They have all the latest standard songs, “I Love Your Eyes of Grey,” “House of Memories,” “Bird Lullaby,” which is a gem, “Wait,” “Wind Song,” etc- And if you care for popular songs they are all there. Have you heard “Poor Little Butterfly is a Fly Girl Now” —sounds wicked does it not?—but really it is quite harmless. You might get “Freckles,” “Peggy,” “"My Baby’s Arms,” “Patches,” “I Might Be Your Once in a While,” and “I Want a Daddy to Rock me to Sleep”—to take with you on your holiday this summer. They all suggest the holiday mood and you can dance to most of them. Mr. J. Deane Wells, who is in Moutrie’s has written a number of songs, among them “In Flanders Fields,” and “Rest Ye in Peace” which is America’s answer to “In Flanders Fields.”
This shop has the Schirmer Library, Boston Music Library, and the music of Oliver Ditson Co. and Jos. Stern Co. They sell also all musical instruments.
The Period Design Grafonolas at Robinson & Co. are works of art. Each has been modelled after a piece of furniture that was used in the period it represents. For example, the Jacobean or Charles II is a tall cabinet profusely carved with birds and fruits The scrolled fretwork is backed with silk through which the music passes. The Queen Anne is the acme of simplicity and would look well in any room. The “Adam” should appeal to the Chinese, as it is finished in plum, blue, and yellow. Hand paintings cover its several sides and they are delicately executed. All these charming Grafonolas are operated by electricity, and stop automatically. Robinson & Co. are the only Shanghai agents for this decorative ‘‘period’’ variety. I saw a few very small instruments and when I inquired about them I was told that they were for children, but unfortunately no more can be procured. If I were a kiddie I should consider myself absolutely “made” if I could have my own Grafonola. There is a large assortment of new records at this shop including “The Vamp,” “India,” “Chong,” “Send Dunes,” “Egyptland,” ‘‘Mummy Mine,” and “Venetian Moon.” They are the agents for the Broadwood pianos of London.
From the Shanghai Times, 31 May 1919
Music Salon At Moutrie’s Shows Latest Orthos
Innovations In Luxuriant Types Of Reproductive Devices Shown
(China Press, 2 Feb 1928)
Messrs. S. Moutrie and Company have done somethIng new for the comfort of their friends and patrons, and added to their existing premises, in the new Salon on their Nanking Road premises especially constructed for listening to Victrola music of all kinds. It is over the shop, and occupies the entire second floor of the premises, and being done in lovely tones in the cream walls vieux rose and gold in the furniture, offers a very restful background for listening to music of any kind.
The decor of this salon in Shanghai’s odest music house is the work of two well-known Shanghai ladies, and is a complete ensemble of furniture in the Louis Seize manner, against the color scheme of which the satiny walnut sheens of the Electro-Orthophonic Victrolas, and Radiolas or combinations of one or all of the preceding, are particularly striking. The walls are painted in cream color and the cornices, frieze, and columns in old gold. There are three rose-color Axminster carpets, each wove in one piece.
The furniture consists of upholstered settees and easy chairs covered in old-gold and rose damask, arm chairs covered In striped two-color rose damask, finely carved, gilt semi-circular console tables and center tables with bevelled glass tops, also carved and gilt writing desk to match. The electric lighting is supplied from fourteen carved and gilt candelabras and two floor standards with rose color silk shades.
Some of the machines here to be seen, described in detail, follow. It should be immensely popular with both foreigners and Chinese, here to be able to sit in luxurious comfort as one decides what type of musical instrument to have in ones home.
The Orthophonic Victrola is an instrument, which gives exceptional reception through the orthophonic system; it contains a non-set automatic eccentric groove brake which stops the record automatically without, pre-setting. The Cabinet is carried out in the Italian Renaissance style with the finest walnut veneers.
Automatic Orthophonic Electrola—is an instrument which changes its own records. It plays either twelve ten-inch or twelve twelve-inch records without operating attention, at intervals of thirty seconds and the motor operating the mechanism stops automatically, after the last record on the spindle has been played.
The Electrola Combination is an instrument with a special Victor acoustic stabilizer and the music can be regulated from a whisper to full orchestral volume.
From the China Press, 16 May 1929
Company Meeting: S. Moutrie & Co.
(The North - China Herald Jul 24, 1935; pg.146)
An opinion that the day of the piano in China was rapidly passing was expressed by a shareholder at the annual meeting of S. M. Moutrie & Co., held on Tuesday, July 16, in the offices of the company at 20 Nanking Road.
The chair was occupied by Mr. W. J. Isenman, who was supported by Messrs. K. E. Newman, H. W. P. McMeekin, and W. S. Watson, directors. Shares present totalled 1,185.
Presenting his report, the chairman said:—
In presenting to you the report and accounts for the past year, Board regret to have to record a loss of $19,777.57 on the year’s trading.
For the first six months we managed to work at a small profit after allowing for a proportionate share of annual charges, but since October last there has been a steady decline in the volume of business due to the gradual elimination of the spending power of the public caused by the extreme financial stringency. Those shareholders who are resident in China are doubtless fully conversant with the present local situation, put for the benefit of our shareholders abroad I would state that Shanghai is at present passing through a financial crisis of unprecedented severity and that business of all kinds has been practically brought to a standstill through lack of financial facilities and the fact that even the most valuable of assets are entirely frozen.
Your Board circulated to you in November last our auditors’ report on the position of the company and also the report issued by your special committee. Your Board have given effect to various recommendations made with a view to cutting down running expenses and in this connection have with much regret circulated the staff that the company cannot at present continue its contribution to their provident fund. During last year your managing director voluntarily reduced his remuneration under agreement by 20 per cent, and since the close of the financial year staff wages have been reduced by the equivalent of approximately $9,000 per annum, which with the amount previously contributed to provident fund will effect a total annual saving of around $18,000.
Your directors also voluntarily reduced their fees last year, which policy has been continued this year.
Continuous efforts have been and are being made to sell or lease the factory but under present conditions in Shanghai it has been impossible to obtain any definite offer owing to the closing down of many manufacturing enterprises.
Contrary to the views expressed at the last annual meeting, the piano branch of our organization has been the mainstay of our business and even in these bad times our sales have kept up remarkably well and our own Moutrie piano continues to grow in popularity.
The radio and gramophone side of our business has again shown a marked falling off and the position of this market is most unsatisfactory. Not only have foreign manufacturers been compelled to make heavy reductions in their costs to meet competition but the excessive stocks in this market are being sacrificed at heavy losses. Fortunately our stocks have been kept down to a minimum but these have had to be drastically written down and in all our branches we have had to face sharp losses in this connection.
There have been suggestions that the company might possibly be liquidated with a view to preventing further shrinkage of assets but I feel sure you will realize that at any rate for the present this policy would not be in the best interests of shareholders, as the company’s main asset in land and buildings could not be realized, nor could such high class security- as Municipal and Public Utility Debentures and Preference shares be sold except at a very considerable sacrifice.
The Board, however, are watching the situation closely and no long-term agreements are being entered into either for purchases or for staff engagements, so that our commitments will not preclude us from taking advantage of any situation which may arise.
As regards the immediate future we cannot hold out any rosy prospects of business improvement but can only express the hope that by practising every economy we can safely survive until such times as the financial stringency passes and confidence is once more restored in China.
Mr. A. L. Anderson said that it was five or six years since the company had paid a dividend, and indications were that it would be quite some few years before it would be in a position to do so again. When his father was a boy, every young lady learned to play the harp. Yet where were the harps to-day? When he was a boy, every young lady learned to play the piano. He thought ; it absurd to think that young ladies were going to spend hours daily practising scales to-day when by simply turning on the radio they could “listen to music played by far better musicians (laughter).”
"The piano is dying, there is no doubt about that,” he continued. Due to an overstocked market, and that Chinese shops could afford to sell them at a much cheaper rate, they could similarly expect nothing from gramophones or records. If they thought that better times were ahead, let them stick together and fight their way through. If they did not think so—and he did not—he suggested they put matters in the hands of a liquidator.
Replying primarily as a shareholder, Mr. Newman said there was a great deal in what Mr. Anderson had said. If that was the opinion of a number of the shareholders, he suggested they call a special meeting and go into the matter. In any case, they would have to do things gradually, as even when a branch closed down it cost quite a sum of money.
Mr. Anderson said he had merely seized the opportunity of pointing out what was in his mind.
The following resolutions were then passed unanimously:—
That the report and accounts for the year ended March 31, 1935, be adopted and passed. Proposed by Mr. Isenman and seconded by Mr. Newman.
That Mr. If. W. P. McMeekin be re- sleeted to the board of directors. Proposed by Mr. Newman and seconded by Mr. F. Kempton.
That Messrs. Lowe, Bingham & Mathews, Lowe. Bingham & Dunham, and Messrs. Evatt and Co. be re-elected auditors of the company for the ensuing year at a total fee of approximately 53,782 (with some small allowance for exchange). Proposed by Mr. Anderson md seconded by Mr. F. Youngs.
Moutrie and Co. Report Highest Profit in History of Firm
(China Weekly Review 17 Aug. 1940, pg. 423)
S. Moutrie and Company, Ltd., piano and organ manufacturers and dealers in music and musical instruments, cleared the highest profit in the long history of the firm, according to report of the annual meeting, held in Shanghai on Aug. 9. The profit amounted to $197,- 588.65, which, according to Dr. W. J. Isenman, chairman, “was considered satisfactory, even after allowing for depreciation in the value of the Chinese dollar.” The Chinese dollar, in relation to American currency, is only worth about one-sixth its previous value. Most of the profits were derived from operations of the firm in China as its activities were curtailed in Hongkong, Singapore and Penang. As a war-time measure the authorities of Malaya had prohibited import of Moutrie pianos, the chairman stated.