Historical information

The piano (Beale-Vader patented model) was donated on Thursday 19 December 1907 by Lady Northcote (Alice, wife of the Governor General of Australia) for the Siddeley Street Institute.

The article in The Age dating Friday 20 December 1907:

"Shortly after noon yesterday the Rey. A. Gurney Goldsmith, chaplain to the Victorian Missions to Seamen, who has just taken up residence at his quarters in the new Seamen's' Institute on the Yarra-bank, which was recently opened by his Excellence the Governor-General, was surprised at the receipt of a case of large dimensions. On opening it he found a grand piano, accompanied by a card, "With Lady Northcote's compliments." The pianoforte is one of Beale's make, and its presentation is another illustration of the determination of the vice-regal representatives in Australia to encourage local manufactures. It will be remembered that on the occasion of the opening of the institute an appeal was made to the public for a pianoforte and a billiard table. Lady Northcote has responded with the former, and it will be most useful in connection with the concerts which are given once a week to the, sailors of vessels coming up tho river. The question now arises as to who will provide the billiard table for the use of "Jack ashore," as one of the inducements for him, to visit the institute instead of' spending his spare time in the public house. "

Significance

Governor Northcote and his wife had laid the foundation Stones of the first Central Institute on Siddeley street.
The piano was used it for entertainments and concerts including accompaniment of silent films in the 1920s. 21st century visiting seafarers whilst on shore at the Mission, still regularly play pieces such as popular tunes and classics.

Physical description

A walnut case, full iron framed Upright Piano . See image details; decorative trims throughout, and identification plate inside. Screw holes indicate missing candle brackets or sconces on the two front panels.

Inscriptions & markings

Lid Royal letters patent coat of arms; inside workings stamped plaque: " The/ Beale-Vader / Steel-wirest-plank / patented / throughout / the world"