The Piano Factory

This building, over 100 years old, was built to make Allison Pianos which were crafted here in Charlton Kings Road, right up until the end of ‘50s.

The word factory, which we now think of simply an industrial idiom, originates from the Latin factor which means ‘doer’ or ‘maker’.

And it was ‘makers’ and ‘doers’ who were to reclaim the building after it was abandoned in the 70’s when the artist and ceramicist Carol McNicoll, still living and making in the basement, persuaded renowned architect Piers Gough to reconceive the space for artists who wanted a place to create. For this service she paid him with one of her ceramic teapots. And now this site continues to hold the intentions of makers who occupy it…

Carol works in the basement, art students are on the first floor and in the airy forest of beams under the roof, Cassie Yukawa-McBurney and her husband Simon, continue to ‘make’ and ‘do’ with their three children, Noma, Teyo and Mamie.

This magical space, constructed for piano craftsmen 120 years ago, then reanimated by artists, artisans, musicians and actors, continues to hold, seed and geminate the ideas and aspirations of all who occupy the site, whether for a week, a weekend or a single night.