Piano
Date: 1850s
Medium: Wood: rosewood; bone: ivory; metal
Classification: Decorative Arts
Object number: 1986.50.1
Label text:Full 85 note, seven octave range models, in carved rosewood cabinet.
Piano was purchased in Buffalo in late 1858 or early 1859 by William Thomas Barnes. It was mentioned in a letter (12 January 1859) written by his daughter, Louisa Jane Barnes Olmsted, to her husband, Moss English Olmsted, white she was visiting her parents:
"Pa has bought an elegant piano for four hundred dollars. It is acknowledged to be the best in the city."
The piano was brought to Canada after Barnes' death in 1861, when his widow, Matilda, went to live with her daughter, Louisa, in Saltfleet. It stayed in the family and was given to the Oakville Museum by Louisa's granddaughter.
While William Thomas Barnes was born in New Jersey (1802) and went to Buffalo in 1846, his parents, Thomas and Elinor brought their family to Canada some time in the 1820's.
The square grands of Jonas Chickering were the finest ones made in the United States until the latter part of the 1870's, when Steinway revolutionized the piano industry. Chickering square grands were produced and sold in very large quantities. There antique value, therefore, is limited. Sadly, however, their musical qualities are absolutely unsuited to modern requirements.
Piano was purchased in Buffalo in late 1858 or early 1859 by William Thomas Barnes. It was mentioned in a letter (12 January 1859) written by his daughter, Louisa Jane Barnes Olmsted, to her husband, Moss English Olmsted, white she was visiting her parents:
"Pa has bought an elegant piano for four hundred dollars. It is acknowledged to be the best in the city."
The piano was brought to Canada after Barnes' death in 1861, when his widow, Matilda, went to live with her daughter, Louisa, in Saltfleet. It stayed in the family and was given to the Oakville Museum by Louisa's granddaughter.
While William Thomas Barnes was born in New Jersey (1802) and went to Buffalo in 1846, his parents, Thomas and Elinor brought their family to Canada some time in the 1820's.
The square grands of Jonas Chickering were the finest ones made in the United States until the latter part of the 1870's, when Steinway revolutionized the piano industry. Chickering square grands were produced and sold in very large quantities. There antique value, therefore, is limited. Sadly, however, their musical qualities are absolutely unsuited to modern requirements.
DescriptionChickering, Boston. Piano, detachable lid, 4 legs with wheels, 2 foot pedals, 50 white keys, 35 black keys, music stand.
On display
In Collection(s)