Welcome to ‘Friends of Square Pianos’


 
Latest Updates 3rd July - See 'Sales' below.

 Bonhams Auction
 
  We are pleased to say that four Friends came along for this enjoyable event, in the peaceful surroundings of Knowle.  Thanks to Sarah and the Knowle staff, who all made us very welcome.



  Please see the Auction page for a report, and important news about the lovely little Broadwood in the picture above.

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We made quite a few new Friends at Conway Hall and at Knowle; please get in touch, to share news about your pianos, or just to say 'Hello'.
friends.sp@btinternet.com

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Piano Sales
Just like London Buses, Four have come along all at once.  Something for everyone!



- including what is possibly the only Houston piano in the UK.
(Home already offered for this one...)

Please go to the 'For Sale' page, for news of all these.

  
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Restoration Diaries

   These continue to be popular with our readers.  Yes, we have more than one!  (Numbered in hundreds, actually, if not yet in thousands).  The Restoration Diary page (keys at top left) has just been updated, with a 'contents' section,  including the earlier (Clementi) diary now avaialble as a PDF on request to   friends.sp@btinternet.com

   The latest addition is a splendid account of the story of a J.A. Knam Viennese square from Andrew Nolan in Australia.  Special thanks to Andrew for this contribution.

   Andrew's report is Professional in every sense of the word, but please remember that we are keen to share the endeavours of  less able folk - like myself!  And if anyone ever gets stuck, or needs a bit of support - that's what Friends are for.  Please email.


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  FRIENDS OF SQUARE PIANOS
is a sort of on-line club for owners, potential owners, and friends of - Square Pianos! 

  We are also happy to welcome owners of very old grand pianos – say before about 1840 – as they do not seem to have a website of their own.  We hope that you will find something of interest, and also feel free to contribute – please e-mail any questions or contributions to friends.sp@btinternet.com
 Our aim is to encourage ownership and enjoyment of these historic instruments, and to help owners to keep them in playing condition.  There is a special pleasure in playing (and hearing) music played on the instruments for which it was composed.

    
 

 The picture above is my Clementi of about 1814, before restoration.  


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About the 'Webmaster' (David Hackett of Chelveston)


 
  My only claim to respectability is that Carl Dolmetsch once offered to take me on as an apprentice.  This was in 1962, when I had just shown him my first clavichord, and been his guest at Haslemere.  However, he also advised me that it would be better to go to University, and I accepted his advice.  Early Keyboard Instruments have therefore remained a hobby, and since leaping at the opportunity of early retirement, I am able to spend a bit more time enjoying them.



My real work now is with cats, though - I am local Branch Co-ordinator for
 Cats Protection.