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Lot Essay
Steinway records that serial number 147890 is for a model B-211 grand piano manufactured in Hamburg and originally shipped to Steinway & Sons in London on 8 April 1905. The case is recorded as 'Louis XV' style in rosewood under 'sketch number 210'. It was first bought from Steinway by Sir Henry Price, founder of the famous clothing store, Price's Tailors.
The year that the present piano was manufactured coincides with the date that Henry Price founded Price's Tailors Ltd. in Leeds, and it seems likely that the piano was acquired shortly after to mark the realisation of Price's ambitions. Having established himself in the North of England, Sir Henry subsequently acquired Wilbraham House, off Sloane Square, London and in 1936, Wakehurst Place in West Sussex, completely restoring the property and gardens of the latter. He spent more than 100,000 on antiques for Wakehurst supplied by the pre-eminent antiques dealer, Frank Partridge, whose expertise confirmed Wakehurst as one of the last great pre-war collections.
The year that the present piano was manufactured coincides with the date that Henry Price founded Price's Tailors Ltd. in Leeds, and it seems likely that the piano was acquired shortly after to mark the realisation of Price's ambitions. Having established himself in the North of England, Sir Henry subsequently acquired Wilbraham House, off Sloane Square, London and in 1936, Wakehurst Place in West Sussex, completely restoring the property and gardens of the latter. He spent more than 100,000 on antiques for Wakehurst supplied by the pre-eminent antiques dealer, Frank Partridge, whose expertise confirmed Wakehurst as one of the last great pre-war collections.