Queen Victoria's Erard grand

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 09 Jul 2005, 11:40

In 1823, King George IV purchased an Erard piano for Windsor: This was later moved to Brighton, but I am told they do not have it now. I have been unable to locate it, or confirm whether it is the same Erard grand on which Victoria learned to play. Can anyone tell me where that grand is now? It has unusual decorative work on the cheeks (the sides of the keyboard) resembling a ship's wheel.

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 14 Jul 2005, 23:30

Almost certainly trashed.

Royal pianos follow a cycle of demotion from Buck House or Windsor, thru other London houses, Balmoral, then the last stop is the Royal Yacht.

All the old stuff ends up there.

I reckon they chuck 'em over the side when finished with!

PG

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 15 Jul 2005, 09:38

Can you give me one specific, documented example? The information in the Royal Archives doesn't agree.

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 16 Jul 2005, 06:33

I was only being facetious, Bill!

Although a Broadwood employee I once spoke to about 30 years ago hinted that this was possibly the fate of most Royal pianos!

PG

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 16 Jul 2005, 14:50

So was I, but wouldn't it be great to find out something about this piano.