Robert Wornum

Robert Wornum (1780 - 1852). The lyre guitar (c.1810) in the portrait is part of the Steve Howe Guitar Collection.

Robert Wornum (1780–1852) was a piano maker working in London during the first half of the 19th century. He is best known for introducing small cottage and oblique uprights and an action considered to be the predecessor of the modern upright action[1] which was used in Europe through the early 20th century. His piano manufacturing business eventually became Robert Wornum & Sons and continued half a century after his death.

Art historian Ralph Nicholson Wornum (1812–1877) was his son.[2]

  1. ^ David Crombie Piano GPI Books, San Francisco. 1995. p.105
  2. ^ "Wornum, Ralph Nicholson" . Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.