c1791 Longman & Broderip square piano

Longman & Broderip were not makers of square pianos but contracted piano makers to produce instruments on their behalf.  This example was probably made by Culliford Rolfe & Barrow.   There are inscriptions in this piano showing that it was restored in 1823 and again in 1951.    The keyboard compass is 5 octaves and the maker’s number suggests that it was made in 1791 as part of the first series of Longman & Broderip square pianos. The internal cover gives instructions for maintaining the instrument and further information is given about this on the Longman & Broderip page of the Early Piano. This square piano is currently under restoration.