History
This Steinway Art Grand Piano was built in 1905 in the United States by one of the most respected piano companies in the world. Its official description identifies it as being a Steinway Art Grand, Model B, Ivoryized, dull finish, special lacquer hardware, with inlaid marquetry.
The piano was originally built for a physician by the name of Dr. T.M. Murray residing in Washington D.C. at the the turn of the century. It was subsequently purchased by a Sheik in North Africa and returned to the United States roughly a decade later. Gifted to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the piano was placed in the the living room at Taliesin West in Phoenix, Arizona. Therein, Wright's wife, Olgivanna, played and composed music for nearly two decades until her passing in 1985.
In 1971, Glenn Brown, a Registered Craftsman in the Piano Technician's Guild International and a Piano Rebuilder, met Mrs. Wright, and the Art Grand, and began providing regular tunings for the piano until the year of Mrs. Wright's passing in 1985. Shortly after Mrs. Wright's passing, the piano was placed in the Arizona State University architecture library. Twelve years later, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation approached Glenn Brown to purchase this important piano with the idea that it would be restored to it's original glory.
All of the materials used in this restoration are of the highest quality available. No expense has been spared. Only the finest hammers, strings, ivory keys, case inlays, and ivoryization substrates have been employed. The extraordinarily beautiful case is ebony wood, with black aniline dye stain and a clear lacquer finish. The sides of the case, music rack, and bench are decorated with over 3,150 pieces of inlaid marquetry portraying Renaissance Period musical instruments. Crafted in accordance with the highest standards of the time, the Art Grand is a "dream" to play for pianists of any level and is suitable for solo concert performances as well as accompaniment. This prestigious piano is truly inspiring!
Authenticity & Correspondence
Listed below are three documents attesting to the authenticity of the Art Grand. Included in this list is an official affidavit of origin, and two letters of correspondence between Mr. Brown and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The first letter is a notarized letter describing the foundation's intention to part with the Art Grand, while the second letter outlines the conditions of stewardship under which the foundation would agree to sell the piano.
