This square piano was made by Astor & Horwood in London around 1818. George Peter Astor ran a successful music business at 79 Cornhill, specializing in pianos, flutes, and music publishing. After his death in 1813, his wife continued the firm until 1815, when Horwood took over, and the company became Astor & Horwood, operating under this name until 1824.

The piano features a satinwood-veneered nameboard, two silk-lined fretwork panels, and elegantly curved ends on the front board which is a classic design detail of the period.

Play the Sound of the Astor and Horwood c.1818

Image

Front view of the Astor & Horwood square piano, made in London around 1818. Note the curved frontboard and silk-lined fretwork panels, characteristic of its period.The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments

Image

This elegant square piano was made by Astor & Horwood in London around 1818. It features a satinwood-veneered nameboard, silk-lined fretwork panels, and curved frontboard ends, typical of the period.The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments