Grand pianoforte made by Chappell & Co
Object No. 87/1159
This concert grand piano by Chappell & Co is an excellent example of high quality piano manufacture and is significant for its uniqueness and rarity. It is likely the instrument was either made as a one-off item commissioned from Chappell or was one of a very limited number of this type that were produced. As such it is a fine representative example of the peak of English piano manufacture during the first two decades of the twentieth century. In the context of the Museum's broader piano collection this instrument helps to describe the evolution of piano manufacture and innovation in England from the earliest English piano represented, a square by Zumpe and Buntebart dating from 1773 (H9480), through important examples by Stodart, Kirkman, Broadwood and Wornum to later nineteenth century and early twentieth century instruments when German and American manufacturers tended to dominate the industry. The piano is also important as it has a long connection with Australia and may have been commissioned and owned by the Anthony Hordern family who ran one of the largest and most well respected retail department stores in Sydney. Michael Lea Curator, music & musical instruments March 2012.
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Summary
Object Statement
Grand pianoforte, wood, gilt, metal, ivory, Chappell & Co, London, c.1915-1916
Physical Description
Grand pianoforte, wood, gilt, metal, ivory, Chappell & Co, London, c.1915-1916. Chappell Grand Piano; Queen Victoria Commemorative Model; Veneered timber case with maple inlay and darker wood stringing, five painted cartouches featuring figures and musical instruments, all in Louis XV style; ivory and ebony keyboard; two pedals; elaborately carved gilt stand and matching stool. Seven and quarter octave compass from A to C.
DIMENSIONS
Height
1200 mm
Width
1540 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Possibly specially commissioned or a limited production model made by Chappell of London. Decorated by J. Herriman. The serial number, 57494, suggests the piano was made in about 1915. It has been suggested that the instrument was a Queen Victoria commemorative model but uncertainty exits as to whether this is correct and what date it is commemorating as Queen Victoria lived between 1819 and 1901 and came to the throne in 1837.
HISTORY
Notes
It is thought this piano was commissioned by the Anthony Hordern family from Chappell & Co. The Bebarfald name on the piano also suggests it had at one time been sold by the new and second-hand furniture retailer Bebarfalds, which was in business in Sydney from the early 1870s to the early 1970s. Bebarfalds also had regional stores including Lismore but it is not known which store this instrument was sold from and when. The vendor eventually bought the piano in a private sale in the Grafton area in 1984. Prior to the Museum acquiring the piano it was housed at the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, Goulburn, New South Wales. Since being at the Museum the piano has been used in numerous performances including being played by internationally acclaimed Australian pianist, Roger Woodward.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1987
Acquisition Date
26 August 1987
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