Mr. JOHN BRINSMEAD, the founder of the firm of pianoforte manufacturers, Messrs. John Brinsmead and Sons, London, died on Monday night at his residence in Albert-road, Regent’s-park, London, in his 94^th year. Mr. Brinsmead was a native of Wear Gifford, North Devon, and served his apprenticeship to a cabinet-maker in Torrington, in the same country. When just of age he came to London, worked for a time as a journeyman cabinet-maker, and in 1837, after a short period of partnership with his brother Henry, began business as a pianoforte maker at Windmill-street, Tottenham-court-road, removing to the neighbouring Charlotte-street in 1841. The next removal was to the present warehouse of the firm in Wigmore-street, in 1863, when the present style of the firm was adopted; and in January, 1900, the firm became a private limited company, one of the directors being the late Mr. Edgar Brinsmead, Mr. Brinsmead’s younger son. At the exhibition of 1851 the pianoforte exhibited by Mr. Brinsmead was awarded a medal, and this success has been repeated at other international exhibitions during the last 50 years. The first improvement in the pianoforte Mr. Brinsmead perfected was in the sticker action, which he made prompter in its working and steadier in its blow. Next he improved the top or plank bridge, with the result that he obtained the clear, bell-like treble which hitherto had been wanting. This and other improvements brought in such an increase in business that Mr. Brinsmead was able to fit up labour-saving machines in his factory in Chenies-street, Tottenham-court-road, and to do there his own fret-cutting work. About this time the tape check action was becoming general, and he had lathes fitted up to make his own actions. A fire which destroyed the works and swept away all the valuable machinery gave the firm a temporary setback, but the piano trade came to Mr. Brinsmead’s rescue with a stock of seasoned timber and he was able to make a fresh start in another factory. At the Exhibition of 1862 Mr. Brinsmead exhibited three pianos, two of which had the check-repeating action, and the third the improved sticker action. The following year he produced the first grand pianoforte, the case of which was made by Mr. John Broadwood, who assisted Mr. Brinsmead in the difficulty caused by the absence of appliances. During his business career Mr. Brinsmead received many awards and Royal Appointments, the French Government decorated him with the Cross of the Legion of Honour, and he was a Knight of one of the Portuguese Orders. Mr. Brinsmead married in 1837 Miss Susan Brown, daughter of an officer of the 92^nd Highlanders who had served in Egypt under Sir Ralph Abercromby. In 1887 they celebrated their diamond wedding, and last June the 70^th anniversary of their wedding brought together six children, 24 grandchildren, and 12 great-grand-children, and letters and telegrams of congratulation came from all parts of the world to the venerable couple. To mark the celebration and to encourage thrift amongst his workpeople, Mr. Brinsmead inaugurated a provident fund, the members of which receive, in addition to interest on their savings, a bonus of from 50 to 100 percent, from a fund furnished by Mr. Brinsmead. The funeral, which takes place at Highgate Cemetery at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, will be preceded by a service at St. Mark’s Church, Albert-road, N.W., at 2 o’clock.