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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
From the collection of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
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Instrument - Piano, John Broadwood & Sons, circa 1862

  • Decorative brass candlesticks on each side, fancy gold design painted onto timber, music ledge under lid

    Piano towards front, upright, lid open

  • Maker's name in gold script letters

    Close-up of maker's name behind keyboard

  • Serial number 23227 is embossed into the timber

    View back panel from under the lid, showing cerial number

  • There is a keyhole in the centre below the keyboard, side panels have discreet carvings, wheels on the bottom.

    Piano towards front right, lid closed

  • Folding candlesticks with fancy metalwork.

    Candlesticks viewed from right of piano

  • Decorative scrolls on the front panel between the candlesticks.

    Decorative panel between candlestick holders

  • Maker's name in gold script letters. The two music place holders.

    Close-up view of the centre of the keyboard and music holder

  • Underside of lid has a dark grain in the centre. It has brass hinges. The candlesticks are folded inwards.

    View from front right of the piano with lid open

  • Under the lid is a rectangular area where there was once an attachment

    Close-up of the underside of the lid.

  • Decorative brass candlesticks on each side, fancy gold design painted onto timber, music ledge under lid
  • Maker's name in gold script letters
  • Serial number 23227 is embossed into the timber
  • There is a keyhole in the centre below the keyboard, side panels have discreet carvings, wheels on the bottom.
  • Folding candlesticks with fancy metalwork.
  • Decorative scrolls on the front panel between the candlesticks.
  • Maker's name in gold script letters. The two music place holders.
  • Underside of lid has a dark grain in the centre. It has brass hinges. The candlesticks are folded inwards.
  • Under the lid is a rectangular area where there was once an attachment

Historical information

The company that made this piano was founded in 1728 by Burkat Shudi, a Swiss harpsichord maker. John Broadwood, a joiner and cabinetmaker, worked for Shudi and eventually married his daughter and became a partner in the firm.

Broadwood continued in this business after Shudi died in 1773. John's son James also worked for the firm and in 1795 they became John Broadwood & Son, then when a third son joined as partner in 1808 they become John Broadwood & Sons Ltd. and the name has continued on even now.

Pianos manufactured by John Broadwood are of world renown.

Significance

This piano is significant as a historical musical instrument. It is an example of the type of instruments used for entertainment and worship from the mid-19th to early-20th century.

Physical description

Piano, cottage upright, wooden casing in dark wood with a rich grain. The piano features a pair of brass candlesticks, a music holder and a fitted lock on the keyboard cover. Decorative design etched in panel between candlesticks, Maker's name is in fancy lettering behind the keyboard. Made by John Broadwood and Sons, London.

Inscriptions & markings

Painted in fancy text "John Broadwood & Sons/ / London"

Subjects

References

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