Gramophone Company Ltd.
31 Maiden Lane, London (1898-1902)
13 Henrietta Street, London

Gramophone & Typewriter Co. Ltd.
13 Henrietta Street, London. (1902-1907)
Hayes Middlesex (1907-        )

Berliner's disc dreams reached beyond the US. The National Gramophone Company (US) played a part, but global domination was his true goal.

London became key:

• From Hotel Room to HQ (1898): Before 1898, gramophone operations in Britain ran from a hotel room! Berliner leased a building (soon-to-be Gramophone Company HQ) at 31 Maiden Lane.
• The Gramophone Company is Born (April 1898): This company emerged, securing Maiden Lane as their official HQ.
• London: Hub for Global Expansion: It became central for distributing Berliner discs throughout Britain, likely receiving recordings from his US labs. This success fueled further expansion.
• Beyond National Gramophone Co. (1900): Internal conflicts led to its closure, but Berliner's vision lived on through the London branch.
• "His Master's Voice" (1901): The Gramophone Company adopted this iconic trademark featuring Nipper the dog.

• Legacy (1908 & 1931): They led in innovation with double-sided records and later merged into EMI, a major record industry force.

In 1921, the Gramophone Company opened the first HMV store on London's Oxford Street. This established HMV as a retail arm of the company.
For HMV models from 1921 see His Master's Voice, Hayes, Middlesex,

Emile Berliner's Global Ambition: The Gramophone Company Takes Centre Stage

Emile Berliner's vision for the Berliner gramophone and disc recordings stretched far beyond the American market. The National Gramophone Company, established in 1896, played a crucial role in the US, but Berliner's true goal was global domination. Here's the story of how the London branch, which would become the Gramophone Company, became a key player in this international strategy:

From Hotel Room to Headquarters (April/May 1898):
Before April 1898, gramophone operations in Britain were a humble affair, run out of Barry Owen's room at the Cecil Hotel in London. Recognizing the need for a more professional presence, Berliner took action. Negotiations began to secure a building at 31 Maiden Lane, with a secondary entrance on Henrietta Street. This location, known as the "Henrietta Street premises," would become the official headquarters of the newly formed Gramophone Company.

The Gramophone Company is Born (April 1898):
In April 1898, a significant step forward was taken with the establishment of the Gramophone Company as a Private Trading Syndicate. This marked the official birth of the company, replacing the informal hotel room operation. They secured the Maiden Lane location and quickly began operations, receiving confirmation for their lease with an initial payment on May 14th, 1898.

A Hub for Global Expansion:
The London branch, now with a permanent address, became a central hub for distributing Berliner gramophones and discs throughout Britain. They likely received recordings and stampers from Berliner's labs in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, mirroring the operations of the National Gramophone Company in the US. The success of the London branch proved to be a catalyst for further international expansion. Similar Berliner Gramophone companies were established in other European countries and Canada, solidifying the dominance of the disc format on a global scale.

Beyond the National Gramophone Company (1900):
The National Gramophone Company faced internal conflicts and legal challenges in 1900, leading to its closure. However, Berliner's vision for global distribution, embodied by the London branch, remained alive. The Gramophone Company at 31 Maiden Lane continued operations for nearly four years, playing a crucial role in shaping the record industry. December 1900 the company changed its name to the Gramophone & Typewriter Co. Ltd.

Building an Empire Through Collaboration:
The Gramophone Company had its own network of licensing agreements for music and artists, establishing a strong foundation for its operations. They also collaborated with the Victor Talking Machine Company to avoid competition in certain markets, ensuring a wider reach for their products. This spirit of collaboration extended further in 1901 when the Gramophone Company adopted the iconic "His Master's Voice" trademark featuring Nipper the dog listening to a gramophone.

Name Change & Relocation (1907 -1908):
The Gramophone & Typewriter Co. Ltd. name was changed back to Gramophone Company Ltd. in November 1907.
The head office was moved to Hayes Middlesex and the Hayes factory began pressing discs in 1908.

HMV: A Retail Arm Emerges (1921):
In 1921, the Gramophone Company opened the first HMV store on London's Oxford Street. This established HMV as a retail arm of the company, specializing in selling gramophones, records (including those produced by the Gramophone Company), and other music-related products. This move further solidified the Gramophone Company's presence in the music industry.

A Legacy of Innovation (1908 & 1931):
Despite internal changes, such as the brief switch to Gramophone & Typewriter Ltd. in 1900, the London branch remained a leader in innovation. In 1908, The Gramophone Company Ltd. ventured into the production of double-sided records, a secret project overseen by The Twin Record Company, a subsidiary. This innovation marked a significant step forward in the record industry.

Finally, in 1931, the Gramophone Company merged with Columbia Graphophone Company to form EMI, a major force in the record industry. This merger solidified the legacy built by the London branch, which began as a small operation in a hotel room and grew into a central player in shaping the future of recorded music.