Edwin Bechstein
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edwin Bechstein | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 February 1859[1] Berlin, German Confederation |
| Died | 15 September 1934 (aged 75) |
| Occupations | Piano maker, businessman |
| Known for | Financial supporter of Adolf Hitler |
| Spouse | Helene Bechstein |
| Signature | |
 | |
Edwin Bechstein (German pronunciation: [ˈɛtvɪn ˈbɛçʃtaɪn]; 11 February 1859 – 15 September 1934) was a German piano maker and businessman and early supporter of Adolf Hitler. He was the son of Carl Bechstein and was the owner of the C. Bechstein piano company from 1900 to 1923 when it became a limited company. A later restructuring in 1934 put his wife Helene Bechstein as majority shareholder. He died on 15 September 1934 and received a state funeral attended by Hitler and other Nazi Party officials.
Bechstein was born in 1859 as the oldest of three brothers, Carl Jr., and Johannes, sons of the piano maker Carl Bechstein.[2] He took over the company from his father in 1900 following Carl's death. He spent most of his time working in the firm's London operations and influenced the design of the Bechstein Theatre (later renamed Wigmore Hall) in London. Whilst in London he met Helene Capito, whom he would marry.[1] During the First World War, Bechstein left the United Kingdom in 1914 with the company's assets being seized as enemy property in 1916 under the Trading With The Enemy Amendment Act 1916.[3][4] In 1923, C. Bechstein became a limited company with all three brothers on the board.[5] In 1926, Bechstein was behind the opening of a new showroom on Berlin's Kurfürstendamm.[5]
