Piano, c. 1878
Satinwood, ivory, ebony, metal, and clothexpand_more
The Walter C. and Mary C. Briggs Charitable Trustexpand_more 2002.74.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
H. W. Batley, one of the great freelance designers of the 19th century, captured the exotic Anglo-Japanese aesthetic in his use of linear and naturalistic design elements. Shoolbred & Co. may have employed Japanese craftsmen to execute the exquisite carving. An attached music stand that ingeniously folds up into the cabinet and a commemorative silver plaque engraved with the piano's floral motifs, complete Batley, Shoolbred, and Collard & Collard's masterpiece, which has come to be a viewed as an icon of the Aesthetic Movement (1860-1880) in England.
After its unveiling at the Paris Exposition Universalle in 1878, this piano made its way into private hands until being acquired by the Institute. A virtually identical model, made two years later, is in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Details
- Title
- Piano
- Artist Life
- 1846 - 1932
- Role
- Designer
- Accession Number
- 2002.74.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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