Andia Ltd.
38 Bedford St., Strand, London WC2 (1925-1930)

Artandia Ltd.
38 Bedford St., Strand, London WC2 (1927-1930)

Brand: Andia

Andia (1927-1930) made artistic, porcelain loudspeakers that turned heads at the 1927 Olympia exhibition. They planned fancy retail displays, but financial woes struck. Shifting from manufacturing to licensing tech, they faced leadership changes and legal battles. Limited capital and unclear retail plans likely contributed to their bankruptcy. Though short-lived, Andia's legacy lives on in the concept of beautiful audio equipment.

In 1924 there was a French company Société Française des Phonographes et Haut Parleurs Aristiques Andia (French Artistic Loudspeaker and Phonograph Company) and it cannot be confirmed they were directly associated with the British Andia Ltd. 

Andia : A Fading Symphony of Artistic Loudspeakers (1925-1930)

The Enchanting Overture (1925):
In 1925, the world of audio witnessed the birth of Andia Ltd., a company that dared to be different. Founded by Carl Anton Lowenadler and Ernest Axel Martin Welin, Andia Ltd. set its sights on revolutionizing the traditional, often utilitarian, look of loudspeakers. Their vision? Loudspeakers that seamlessly blended into the home environment, disguised as beautiful porcelain figures and ornaments. [2]

To achieve this, Andia Ltd. acquired the registered trademark Andia and crucial patents for this innovative technology from a mysterious figure - Marquis Gabriel Gonzalez de Andia-Yrarrazaval. An initial agreement was struck, granting Andia Ltd. an exclusive license to manufacture and sell these artistic loudspeakers in specific countries. The Marquis himself was brought on board as a technical advisor, his expertise seemingly invaluable. To further incentivize him, the agreement included a commission on every sale Andia Ltd. made. [2]

A Discordant Note (1926-1927):
By late 1926, however, the harmonious melody began to falter. A complete overhaul of the board of directors took place, leaving many questions unanswered. Additionally, company records started referring to the patents as solely belonging to the Marquis, a shift from the initial agreement.

In May 1927, a new company called Artandia Ltd. emerged, led by none other than the Marquis himself. Intriguingly, Andia Ltd. assigned the "Andia" trademark, all patent rights, and their artistic designs to Artandia Ltd. In return, Andia Ltd. secured a 5% commission on any sales Artandia Ltd. might generate. This move sparked speculation. Did Andia Ltd. encounter unforeseen production difficulties, or was the company aiming to become a purely royalty-driven entity? [2]

A Glimpering of Beauty (September 1927):
September 1927 offered a glimmer of hope. The innovative artistic loudspeakers from Andia Ltd. took centre stage at the prestigious Olympia radio exhibition. The stand, described as "more pleasing to the eye than any other," showcased these speakers in all their glory. Attendees marveled at the seamless blend of art and technology, a testament to Andia Ltd.'s initial vision.

A Public Spat and Murky Ownership (1928):
The following year, however, saw Andia Ltd. embroiled in a very public controversy. An advertising agency filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming an unpaid debt for an unauthorized catalogue promoting an exhibition of Andia loudspeakers at Selfridge's department store. The court case revealed a startling truth: the Marquis had ordered the catalogues without the board's approval. This raised serious questions about his authority within Andia Ltd. and hinted at potential internal conflicts. [1]

Further muddying the waters, it came to light that the Marquis had a separate agreement with Artandia Ltd. regarding the patent rights. This complex web of ownership rights only served to complicate matters further. [2]

The Final Crescendo (1930):
By June 1930, the music had stopped for Andia Ltd. The company declared bankruptcy, its innovative dream succumbing to a harsh reality. Several factors likely contributed to this unfortunate demise:

• Limited Capital: Despite initial funding, Andia Ltd. might not have had the resources needed to sustain itself in the long run.
• Management Issues: The change in leadership and the public dispute over unauthorized advertising suggested internal problems that could have hampered operations.
• Unclear Ownership: The legal battle regarding patent rights added another layer of complexity and uncertainty to the company's future.[2]

A Legacy in Harmony with Modern Design:
Though short-lived, Andia Ltd.'s story serves as a fascinating reminder of the challenges faced by innovative companies. Despite the financial woes and internal conflicts, Andia Ltd. left an undeniable mark on audio history. Their pioneering vision of aesthetically pleasing audio equipment continues to resonate with modern design, inspiring manufacturers to create speakers that blend seamlessly into our living spaces. The story of Andia Ltd. is a cautionary tale, but also a testament to the enduring power of innovation and the potential for beauty to emerge even from the midst of discord.

The Board of Directors of Artandia Ltd.: [3]

• Marquis Gabriel Gonzalez de Andia-Yrarrazaval (permanent)
• Rt. Hon. Baron Ridesdale
• Col. J. C. Brinton (nominee of Marquis Andia-Yrarrazaval)
• G. T. Bowles

[1] Broadcaster & Wireless Retailer Apr 1928, Page 86.
[2] Wireless & Gramophone Trader Jun 7, 1930, Pages 279 & 280.
[3] Electrical Review Jun 10, 1927, Page 936.