Lutyens
Edwin Landseer Lutyens is widely regarded as the greatest British architect of the 20th century. His imaginative use of traditional styles in the re-modelling of older country houses (Great Dixter and Lindisfarne Castle) and his wonderful designs for New Delhi are a lasting tribute to his genius.
Perhaps lesser known are his collaborations with discerning customers for interior schemes. One such is Buckhurst Park in Sussex where Robert Benson commissioned Lutyens to make alterations to the existing fabric, which included the creation of a music room. The grand piano that features in contemporary photographs taken for Country Life is plainly a composition from Lutyens’ own hand. Built around a barless frame from John Broadwood and Sons, this instrument has recently undergone a comprehensive restoration and the wonderful result will feature in our upcoming sale of the 15th December.
Extensive research has been undertaken by the current owner which confirms the impeccable provenance of this rare and lovely item.
Lot 107 Broadwood (c1905) No 48687 Case by Lutyens
An important and rare No. 5 Steel Barless Drawing Room grand piano. The case in panelled oak with a latticed music desk; raised on dual fluted square tapering supports united by stretchers. The piano has been sympathetically restored to a recital standard, whilst retaining the original character of the instrument, by Cambridge Pianoforte over a two year period.
Provenance: Commissioned from Edwin Lutyens by his fellow London club member, Mr Robert Henry Benson, for his music room at Buckhurst Park (as illustrated in Country Life 18th May 1912 page 727).
Estimate: £18,000 – £20,000
