The Stanhope Collection - December 2021
The Stanhope Collection of Historical Musical Instruments was begun by George Veness in 1987. At this time many such instruments were for sale, with very few takers. Some were renovated by notable restorers but as the collection grew it became necessary to establish a specialist workshop. Most of them were housed in the family home at Winchelsea Beach. George sadly passed away in July 2021 but he is remembered as a skilled expert in the world of early keyboard instruments, both as a trained piano maker and as an accomplished performer. He was often to be heard playing the wonderful instruments at Finchcocks, Goudhurst.
Piano Auctions Ltd are proud to be featuring five instruments from this collection.
Broadwood Square Piano (c1800)
A square piano in a mahogany case with boxwood and ebony banding on modern simple turned legs, having a 5.5 octave compass FF-c4. The fascia including the inscription 'John Broadwood and Sons, Gt Pulteney Street, London, 1800, Golden Square'. Restored with new strings in the Stanhope Workshops and is in good playing condition. The instrument was used by the Stanhope Players on their Concert Tour in Nyons in 2006. Estimate: £1,000 – 1,500
Tomkison Cabinet Piano No 97 (c1815)
A cabinet piano in a rosewood case with turned and fluted baluster supports, the front panel having a pleated silk front with a central rosette; having a 5.5 octave compass FF-c4. The fascia reading 'Thomas Tomkison, Dean Street, Soho, MAKER To His Royal Highness the Price Regent'. This instrument has been sympathetically restored and is in good playing condition.
Height 1.84 metres. Estimate: £1,000 – 1,500
Elwerkemper Grand Piano (c1820)
A Viennese grand piano in a mahogany and walnut case on three turned supports, having a 6 octave compass from FF-f4. Five pedals, including bassoon, moderator, damperlift, bells and janissary effects. This instrument was restored by Jean Maurer and is in good playing condition. Estimate: £6,000 – 8,000.
Bates & Co Square Piano (c1793)
A square piano in a mahogany case with boxwood and ebony stringing on a trestle base. The fascia reading 'Bates and Co, Londini, Fecit, Corner of Edward Street Wardour Street 1793', having a 5 octave compass FF-f3. Single action, wooden overdampers, one stop lever operating the damperlift. This instrument was restored by Jean Maurer and is in good playing condition. Estimate: £1,000 – 1,500.
John Paul Clavicytherium No 5642 (c1968)
A modern clavicytherium in a walnut and banded case, having a 5 octave compass and 2 notes FF-g3. This instrument is in good playing condition. Estimate: £1,000 – 1,500
