John Broadwood & Sons is known for being one of the oldest and most celebrated piano builders of all time. Throughout history the Broadwood firm has built some of the most beautiful and historically significant instruments in the world. This lovely Broadwood upright piano was built as a "Cottage Upright" model in 1877, then was fitted with a beautifully crafted customized cabinet to suit its original owners.
As seen in the photos, the piano cabinet was designed and built by Gillow & Company, one of the most prestigeous furniture makers in Europe. Here is a brief history of Gillow & Company:
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GILLOW & COMPANY: One of the most celebrated of English Furniture makers, Robert Gillow formed his company in Lancaster in 1730, despite later incorrect claims that the company was formed in 1696. Richard (1733-1811), son of Robert, was the most talented member of the family and uniquely, the company kept detailed records dating from 1731-1932, now to be found at the City of Westmister Archives Centre, London.
The firm amalgamated with the Liverpool company Waring in 1897, to form the now well known Waring & Gillows name, although it is true to say that after this period, the former quality and distinction of the Gillow mark diminished considerably.
Gillows Furniture is sometimes stamped (probably only 40% of that made, which was made for stock) – the early stamped pieces bear "GILLOW. LANCASTER", later pieces bear "GILLOWS" or "GILLOWS & CO". A number is also normally to be found that can be used to trace the item through the company’s archive records.
Gillow Furniture from the 18th and 19th Century bears the unmistakable characteristics of fine quality, simple design, and perfect proportion.
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This piano appears to be made of solid straight-grain mahogany wood with elegantly carved moldings and pillars. Each of the elegantly painted panels across the front tells its own story.
The paintings are titled as (from left to right across front) #1: PAN TEACHING APOLLO #2: MERCURY PRESENTING THE LYRE TO APOLLO #3: THE JUDGMENT OF MIDAS #4: APOLLO AND THE MUSES #5: APOLLO AND DAPHINE
In addition to the elegantly painted front panels, moldings and pillars are adorned with hand painted decoration. Note how the elegant music holder folds out from inside the top of the piano. When not in use, the music holder folds back inside the lid so that the view of the paintings can be unobstructed.
THIS IS A ONE-OF-A-KIND, CUSTOM MADE ANTIQUE PIANO. IT IS IRREPLACEABLE PART OF MUSICAL HISTORY!
This piano is currently being restored to like new condition, and a matching bench is included. Computerized player mechanisms can be installed if desired.