Laying Style was founded in the late 1800s by an Englishman named James Laidley. He designed and built organs and pianos. His pianos were of a new style that had been introduced to Europe, called "English Grand", which consisted of a small keyboard, the ability to play a number of tones simultaneously, and a pedalboard with independent pedals for each hand. The company also made harpsichords. In the early 1900s, Laying Style made its first harmonium, which consisted of a great reed organ with four pipes, two keyboards, and a three-octave fingerboard. It was meant to produce a variety of sounds. The company continued to make harpsichords and pianos until the 1940s. By then they were making organs only. Laying Style's instruments are well-known for their sound quality and design features that make them highly desirable. The company has been in business since the 1800s and has been continuously making organs for almost 150 years; these are true masterpieces of design and craftsmanship. The harmoniums have always been made from beautiful mahogany wood with brass fittings and metal rods; these work as an orchestral instrument at home or as an accompaniment instrument in any venue that can accommodate it.