Established in 1881 in London’s Fleet Street by Francis Payton, F Payton & Co was a thriving wholesale, manufacturing and import-export company supplying “all Musical Requirements” throughout “Great Britain and the Colonies” as well as many other countries around the world.

In the early 1900’s, the company changed its name to F. Payton & Son when Francis’ son, Valentine, joined the company. The company underwent various transformations during the turmoil of two world wars, and passed to Valentine’s son, John, on his return from military service after World War II.

John Payton Snr emigrates to Sydney, Australia with his wife and two young sons.

The modern F. Payton & Son was formed. John Payton Snr was joined in the business by his two sons John Jnr and Paul Payton (4th generation) who have, in turn, been joined by two of John’s grandsons, Chris and Ben Payton (fifth generation).