IRISH PIANO

in the form of a metamorphic half-moon table by William Southwell, Dublin c. 1785

This instrument is adopted by: Kingston and District Chamber Music Society

IRISH PIANO

Overview

Southwell was born in Dublin and apprenticed to Ferdinand Weber until 1782. The top of this handsome half-moon table lifts upwards to reveal a keyboard and a section of the front swings upwards to provide a music-rest. Its elegance characterises Southwell’s flair for decoration. The cabinet work may have been carried out by the famous Dublin cabinet maker William Moore.

Daniel Steibelt – Waltz from Mrs Cobbe’s music manuscript, 1795