The premier London piano maker John Broadwood and Son made this grand piano in 1809. Because of their dynamic sound qualities, Broadwood grand pianos were used by many of the leading musicians of the day in Europe, including Mozart, Haydn, Chopin, Beethoven and Liszt. Thomas Jefferson reportedly visited Broadwood’s Soho showroom to discuss musical instruments.
This particular model’s case is made of mahogany with lightwood inlay and features a foot pedal support in the form of a classical lyre.
The piano was a gift to the DAR Museum from the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria, Va.
American Spirit, Volume 143, Number 1, January/February 2009, Page 6
Photo by Scott Braman