In MMD 981218 Dan Wilson questions the Farrand Company's presence in
London.

The Farrand and Votey organ company existed until sometime around 1895
and was not owned by Aeolian.  In the 1890s it acquired the prestigious
Roosevelt organ company, which confirms its own quality of manufacture,
and indeed produced some instruments for Aeolian.

With the successful production of the Pianola the company was wound up,
Votey moving to Aeolian as a Director.  Farrand continued in business
separately with the Cecilian, and opened the branch in London run by
Mr. Wood.

Aeolian took over the Farrand company sometime around 1909 when it
was expanding fast.  There is some suggestion that Votey liked the
acquisition of the Farrand name, probably not for predatory but senti-
mental reasons.  In Britain the name was applied to Orchestrelle/
Aeolian's cheapest models, which often have no Themodist, only a
divided hammer-rail, but which are quite reasonable instruments.

Paddy Handscombe
London