John Broadwood & Sons Grand Piano, c. 1850s
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Maker: John Broadwood & Sons
Date: c. 1850s
Type: Grand piano
Serial number:
Keyboard: 82 keys
Frame: Partial wood
Case:
Measurements:
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Acquired by Misty Jade from Tim Hill and Miriam Hill for the collection at a nominal sum. Tim Hill and Miriam Hill are gratefully acknowledged as Patrons of the instrument, with Tim Hill continuing his support through a long-term commitment towards its ongoing maintenance and preservation. The instrument has subsequently been placed on long-term loan by Misty Jade to Music That Lives Salon and The Tonal Composers’ Society, where it currently serves as the main performance instrument within the Salon.
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The instrument has been regulated, voiced, and partially restored and is in fully playing order.
Érard Grand Piano, custom made, c. 1911
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Maker: Érard Paris
Date: c. 1911
Type: Grand piano
Serial number: 100548
Keyboard: 88 keys
Frame: Cast iron
Case: Carved mahogany, in harpsichord style, with ornamental carvings and dual square tapering legs
Measurements: L 184cm x D 145cm x H 100cm
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Érard was one of the most important piano-making firms in France, renowned for its innovations in piano construction and for its instruments made for leading musicians and distinguished clients.
This exceptional grand piano was custom made at the Érard factory in Paris around 1911. Its carved mahogany case, designed in the style of a harpsichord and decorated with ornamental carvings, gives the instrument an appearance quite unlike the conventional grand pianos of its period.
The instrument was brought to London from Paris by William Adlington, who managed the London branch of Érard and was the sole agent and business manager of the celebrated Polish pianist and composer Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Adlington's connection with Paderewski was long-standing; he acted as Paderewski's English agent for many years and accompanied him on his 1904 tour of Australia and New Zealand.
The connection between Adlington, Érard and Paderewski places this highly individual instrument within an important network of musical life in London at the beginning of the twentieth century.
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The piano was brought from the Érard factory in Paris to London by William Adlington, manager of Érard's London branch and the sole agent and business manager of Ignacy Jan Paderewski.
It has subsequently been offered to the collection on long-term loan by Misty Jade.
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The instrument has been regulated, voiced, and partially restored and is in fully playing order.
