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.

The modern F. Payton & Son was formed in 1972, after John emigrated to Sydney, Australia in 1969 where it continues under the direction of John’s two sons (fourth generation) who have, in turn, been joined by two of John’s grandsons (fifth generation).