William Henry Hawkes started a Sheet Music publishing company Hawkes & Co. in 1865 in London. As the company grew successful they also started making musical instruments. In 1889 the company was named Hawkes & Son. In 1930 they merged with their rival Boosey & Co. to become Boosey & Hawkes. That company still exists today, but solely as a Publisher; they sold their instrument division in 2003.

https://www.boosey.com/aboutus/History