How Craftmanship Met Design: The Linley-Designed John Broadwood Upright Piano
When asked by the former prime minister Jim Callaghan why her son had chosen a career in furniture making, Princess Margaret simply and characteristically replied “Christ was a carpenter”. Of course, Viscount Snowden
(known professionally as David Linley) was unlikely to be found hammering up stud walls and door frames – his interest lay in the arts and crafts. In 1985 he set up his own company and quickly gained a reputation for combining innovative and attractive design with exacting craftsmanship.
In our forthcoming sale we have a beautiful Broadwood upright piano framed in a case designed and realised in the Gloucestershire workshop then occupied by this likeable member of the Royal Family. For those with time and inclination there is a rather nice period photograph ( published we believe, in Tatler Magazine) to be found online, showing the great man leaning on a similar instrument with his design partner Mathew Rice. Like our auction entry this piano is veneered in sycamore, has ebony banding and contrasting marquetry panels and is marked simply, “Linley”.
An upright piano in a traditional sycamore case designed by David Linley; together with a matching stool. This piano was produced as a limited edition.
Condition Report:
LOT 64 – BROADWOOD UPRIGHT
Casework: The case is in generally very good condition. There is a little bit of polish reticulation under the top lid but obviously this is not noticeable when the lid is closed.
Frame, Pins, Strings, Soundboard and Bridges: Are good but there is a treble string loss at the top end and this will need to be repaired.
Hammers and Action: The action is good.
Keys and Keyboard: Is plastic and is in good condition.
General Notes: All in all, a wonderful piano – a mixture of design and heritage. Linley is marked discreetly under the top lid on the board that covers the wrest plank. My opinion is that this frame was made by Kemble (which was common practice) and this serial number dates the piano to 1986, which is correct.
This report is based on a cursory examination and is our opinion only. It does not constitute a guarantee and potential buyers should satisfy themselves about the lot before bidding.
Buyers Premium: 24% plus VAT
More pictures of this lot will be uploaded on Thursday 7th December.
Specific photographs, videos & condition report are available on request.