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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 - Musical, Piano, Renardi, c. 1900

  • Upright piano, polished wood, etched panels, turned legs, decorative carving on front panel and sides of keyboard

    Piano, lid closed, viewed from left front corner

  • The underside of the lid is also polished wood. There is a narrow, folding music ledge in the centre of the lid. Below the lidge is the maker's name in gold letters.

    Piano viewed from front, lid open, music ledge folded up, brand showing

  • Complete width of the keyboard and the lock in the centre, below the keyboard. The music ledge has curved edges. The lid has a brass hinge from left to right along the join. The two brass pedals can be seen.

    Close view of piano looking down on the keyboard

  • Maker's name 'RENARDI' in gold lettering with two decorative gold star motifs on both left and right sides. Ledge is supported by two brass hinges. Decorative etching detail is displayed on the front panel.

    Viewed from front, Close up of maker's name, etch work on top panel and open music ledge

  • Untitled image

  • Upright piano, polished wood, etched panels, turned legs, decorative carving on front panel and sides of keyboard
  • The underside of the lid is also polished wood. There is a narrow, folding music ledge in the centre of the lid. Below the lidge is the maker's name in gold letters.
  • Complete width of the keyboard and the lock in the centre, below the keyboard. The music ledge has curved edges. The lid has a brass hinge from left to right along the join. The two brass pedals can be seen.
  • Maker's name 'RENARDI' in gold lettering with two decorative gold star motifs on both left and right sides. Ledge is supported by two brass hinges. Decorative etching detail is displayed on the front panel.

Historical information

This solid, late Victorian era piano is branded Renardi, which is a German name.

In the late 19th century thousands of pianos were exported from Germany to Australia. Some, unfortunately, were amongst the cargo of shipwrecks. It seems that the Renardi pianos were not made by a Renardi company but made to order by any of a number of German piano manufacturer and branded for distribution by Australian music stores.

Significance

This Renardi piano represents an era where musical gatherings were part of domestic entertainment. Pianos were ialso installed in clubs, public halls and hospitality businesses for song nights and concerts were encouraged for community unity.

Physical description

Piano, upright, walnut veneer with floral design on panels. Turned columns, hinged lid and two metal pedals. Branded Renardi, a German name, made c. 1900.

Inscriptions & markings

"RENARDI"

Subjects

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