Gisborne, Boisell & Co, Musical Instruments, Vere Street.

[Pedrocut]

Mark posted this postcard under the Old Postcards Thread showing Gisborne & Boisell & Co, musical instruments at Vere Street.

The Company only lasted a few years under this style, but may have had a longer history. Has the instrument been marked after the picture was taken ?
Why the exotic picture ?

 

[MWS]

The write up suggests that the instruments were made in Bham but sold in London. Therefore would there be a more varied clientele, including visitors and immigrants from all over the world?

Maybe there is a series of postcards with different 'peoples' and their instruments.

 

[Pedrocut]

The manufactory around 1907 was in Vere Street and called the Apollo Works.

Did they use the picture and place their name on it ? The Instrument does not seem to be one that would be made in Birmingham.

Presumably they would need permission from the picture takers ?

 

[Pedrocut]

The write up suggests that the instruments were made in Bham but sold in London. Therefore would there be a more varied clientele, including visitors and immigrants from all over the world?

Maybe there is a series of postcards with different 'peoples' and their instruments.

I think you are spot on here. There is another picture marked Cliche Nadar of a boy playing a trumpet.

 

[Pedrocut]

The earliest I can find is a James Gisborne, musical instruments, Cross Street in 1839. Later moves to Suffolk Street.

 

[Pedrocut]

Possible History of the firm James Gisborne.

1839…James Gisborne, musical instruments maker, Cross Street.
1845…moves to 37 Suffolk Street.
1852…maker to the Army.
1864…Gisborne & Son
1894…Alfred Hall Gisborne.
1902…to Apollo Works
1903…Gisborne, Boisell & Co.
Later Gisborne &Co.

Looks like they were a major supplier to the Armed Forces, and also imported musical instruments. They have overseas agents in at least Calcutta and Lahore.

 

[MWS]

I had a look for someone called Boisell which seemed an unusual name but only found a few and they were likely misspelt Bissells. So maybe Boisell was the overseas partner.

 

[Pedrocut]

Strange that Boisell seems invisible. No one of that name appears in the London Gazette.
The agent advert for Lahore has the same spelling.

 

[mikejee]

In 1861 , in addition th James Gisborne at Suffolk Street, there was also a Charles Henry Gisborne, musical instrument maker, at Springfield Road Harborne, though the directory describes James as Grisburne.

 

[Pedrocut]

Charles Henry Gisborne may well be the Son in the Gisborne & Son in 1864. He died in 1882 with the address of 37 Suffolk Street.