Pseud,

The guitar in the UK goes back a little before Donegan. I once owned a parlour guitar made by the Rhoudloff (I seem to remember that spelling) Brothers dated 1867. I believe the Rhoudloff's origin was Russian but their address was in London.

There were a number of guitar players around the UK well before Lonnie. One that broadcast from time to time doing folky numbers was Elton Hayes "He sings to a small guitar". I remember hearing him do the Raggle Taggle Gypsies.

One or two Music Hall artists also played. I remember Malcolm Price being envious of a nice Martin played by Max Wall.