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1 of 253523 objects
Grand piano 1817
Walnut, brass, gilt bronze | 91.4 x 245.8 x 118.1 cm (whole object) | RCIN 2591
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Irregular shaped grand piano decorated with walnut veneer and inlaid brass foliate bands. Supported on triangular pillar with incurved sides which rests on triangular base supported on castors concealed by patinated bronze shell and acanthus mounts. Inscriptions; on soundboard: I.H.R.Mott.A.D.1817; above keyboard: Patent Sostenente Grand / IHR Mott,I.C.Mott & Comp : / 95 Pall Mall London / Makers to His Majesty. On 1 February 1817 Isaac Mott took out a patent for a grand piano incoprorating various structural improvements of his invention, the Sostenente Grand Patent. Since this instrument is dated 1817, it must be one of the first which Mott produces by virtue of his patent. However this patented movement is no longer in the piano and it is possible that it was never there, and that the label on the piano simply serves to advertise Mott's new invention, without the instrument actually incorporating it.
Provenance
Probably purchased by George IV from Motts of Pall Mall; it stood originally in the Music Room Gallery, Brighton Pavilion, where it can be seen in John Nash's engraving of 1824.
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Walnut, brass, gilt bronze
Measurements
91.4 x 245.8 x 118.1 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)