Hamblin Bros upright piano
Object No. 2002/130/1
This piano is one of only a few surviving instruments by one of Australia's early piano makers, Hamblin of Kyneton, Victoria wich was established by Joseph Hamblin in Kyneton during the 1870s. Judging by the style of the instrument Hamblin Brothers may have been established during the 1880s. The firm was an exhibitor at the Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne in 1888-1889. Under the name of Hamblin and Sons of High Street, Kyneton they made a range of different sized pianos with iron frames and finished in native walnut. An instrument dating from about 1870 is in the Kyneton Shire Museum. During the late nineteenth century in Victoria a number of piano making businesses were established, possibly as a result of the the wealth generated by the gold rushes and the growth of a wealthy middle class eager to include the civilising influence of the piano in their households. Other Victorian makers during this period included Joseph Kilner, Jabez Carnegie, John Cathy of Ballarat and WR Blazey. These makers are often overlooked as the larger and more popular names of Wertheim and Beale have dominated histories about piano making in Australia.
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Summary
Object Statement
Upright Piano, timber / metal, made by Hamblin Bros., Kyneton, Victoria, Australia, 1907
Physical Description
Upright piano with six and three quarter octave keyboard. Three quarter iron frame and overdamper action. Case finished in burr walnut with black carved decorative leg sections at front. Candel sconces have been removed. Music desk at front attached to underside of keyboard fall. Two pedals for sostenuto and pianoforte. Decorative metal handles at sides. Some water damage to veneer on top and front of keyboard fall. The name plate is on the underside of the keyboard fall.
DIMENSIONS
Height
1210 mm
Width
1370 mm
Depth
610 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The piano is made by Hamblin Bros., Kyneton, Victoria to a traditional design between 1880 and 1910. It was signed and dated by the maker in 1907.
HISTORY
Notes
Early provenance for the piano is unknown. It was used by the donor as a decorative piece of furniture and for learning piano. It was donated as it was replaced by a more modern piano.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 2002
Acquisition Date
9 October 2002
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