Graham WalkerThis is the website of Graham Walker, Dorset, UK who has had an interest in the early piano for over 30 years. He has undertaken the restoration of instruments for private collection and has also carried out research on early pianos and their makers over this period. This has been done alongside a career in management consultancy and performance management. Early retirement in 2007 enabled him to become more involved and he commissioned a cloth manufacturer to produce an authentic keyboard cloth. This cloth is the nearest match to an early 19th century piano cloth that can be made within modern manufacturing processes. It was initially produced for his requirements but it soon came in demand by others.  Further types of cloth have been replicated by request from makers and restorers.  These cloths can be purchased from the online shop on this website.  He has also undertaken some research into the leather used in early English pianos and is currently working in liaison with the Institute of Creative Leather Technology, Northampton University, UK with the objective of determining specifications. He is involved in supporting interest in the early piano and is passionate about ensuring that our heritage of early pianos collections in the UK can be maintained for the future.

For Sale – A rare and important William Southwell upright square piano case

A rare and unique opportunity to purchase a William Southwell upright square piano No. 40 Dublin Ireland c.1798 void of action and internal structure.   The internal parts were removed many years ago and therefore it is being sold as a fine example of his late 18th century cabinet work for the purpose of display. A competent maker could rebuild the piano, and this remains an option. This was the intention when the case was previously acquired but due to a change of circumstances it is no longer possible.  Witness marks exist internally, and a considerable amount of information can be provided if this were to be the purpose of purchase.

The case is an exceptional example of late 18th century Neo-classical furniture. It is signed by the cabinet maker William Anderson who is recorded as working in Dublin in the late 18th century.  He would have either worked for, or was employed by, William Southwell. There are only six of these pianos known to have survived of which there is one other example where the internal piano parts have been substantially removed.

Two of these instruments have been sold recently at auction.  An example formally at Finckcocks, was sold by Dreweatts Auctioneers in Newbury, Berkshire, UK on the 11 May 2016 for £19,840 including premium. The other example, No. 22, was sold by Woolley and Wallis, Auctioneers, Salisbury, Wiltshire UK on 5 October 2016 for £19,500 including premium.  Being sold here is only a case and therefore it is priced accordingly.

Price:  £1,350

Please contact Graham Walker   graham@earlypiano.co.uk   or by Phone 44 (0) 1305 852756.

The piano is located near Dorchester, Dorset UK

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