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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.

    Candlestick holderss 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. Piano features a pair of brass candlestick holders, music holder and fitted lock on keyboard cover. Decorative design etched in panel between candlestick holders, 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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