Goulding & Co

Frank Kidson writes:

This great firm was originally commenced by George Goulding, who was probably in business before 1784. He issued sheet-songs from the pantomime of Don Juan, acted in 1787, and other sheet music, prior to and contemporary with this.

His address at this time was at "The Haydn's Head, No. 6. James Street, Covent Garden," and shortIy afterwards an additional one at 17, Great Turnstile, Holborn. About 1790 this latter gave place to one at 113, Bishopgate Street, but while still keeping his principal place of business in James Street, these two latter addresses must have been only in force for a short time.

From James Street he issued annual sets of twenty-four dances in oblong octavo. One of these is for 1792, and on it is advertised a collection by Mr Carter for the year 1788. Another yearIy set of dances from James Street is for 1797. Early in 1799 he removed to 45, Pall Mall, and took others into partnership.

The new firm was styled Goulding & Co., or Goulding, Phipps, & D'Almaine, and they became music sellers to the Prince and Princess of Wales. In 1803 they took additional premises at 76, St, James Street, and in 1804-5 had given both these addresses up, and removed to 117, New Bond Street, with an agency at 7, Westmoreland Street., Dublin.

In 1808-9 the number in New Bond Street was changed to 124. About this time Phipps retired from the concern and probably commenced a business on his own account. The firm was now Goulding, D'Almaiiie, & Potter.

At the end of 1811 they remove their London address to 20, Soho Square, and Samuel Chappell takes the shop at 124, New Bond Street. The firm remains at 20, Soho Square till 1858. Sometime between 1830 and 1837, Goulding's name is absent from the firm, which is then D'Almaine & Co., and in 1838 they advertise a catalogue of 200,000 engraved plates.

In late years the name of the firm was D'Almaine, & Mackinlay, and in 1867 the whole stock and plates were sold off by auction, owing to the death of Mr. D'Almaine, which occurred in 1866 in his 83rd or 84th year.

• Goulding & D'Almaine's 24 Country Dances for 1826 London and Dublin