Grand Piano Cabinet Styles: Edwardian - 1st World War (1900-1919)

Styles Late Victorian styles continued after 1900, but the 'fish-tail' style was gradually phased out, replaced with a more rounded and streamlined shape. Turned legs were, over time, replaced with twinned-square or 'gate-legs', and then by single (thicker) square tapering legs.

Music stands, whilst still fretted, became less ornate, with Art Nouveau style rests, such as the 'sunburst' and 'fan' styles. An increasing number of smaller Boudoir grands were manufactured, though most were 5ft long or more.

Interest, however, still ensured production of more rare & exhibition models, sometimes with inlaid marquetry, with new style cabinets such as Sheraton, Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts.

Cabinet Veneers Burr Walnut was gradually phased out; replaced by mainly Indian Rosewood and ebonised cabinets. A few dual-tone cabinets were produced, usually Rosewood with ebonised lid rim, prop-stick, legs, pedal lyre & body mouldings. Although the gradual introduction of electric lighting over this period meant that candlesconces were no longer required, candle-boards continued to be part of the Music-stand, right up to the current day, though used more for music-books, or a convenient shelf for a drink or cup of coffee !

Continue to