1795
In 1761, 29-year-old cabinetmaker John Broadwood was said to have walked 400 miles to London to work for harpsichord maker Burkat Shudi. Upon taking over the business at Shudi’s retirement, he switched focus to pianofortes and helped patent the English Grand Action, which enabled a louder, more robust sound. Broadwood also enhanced the capability of the fortepiano by expanding the keyboard from five to six octaves and adopting foot pedals rather than hand stops or knee levers.
Acquired 1987
Fallboard: “John Broadwood and Son/ Great Pulteney Street Golden Square/ London 1795”
Range: FF-c4
Mahogany case