Amongst those expected to achieve the highest bids, and pictured above, is a rare 1925 Pleyel grand piano fitted with an original ‘Auto Pleyela’ self-playing mechanism, in a spectacular Chinoiserie Louis XV case (Est.£30,000-£50,000 + fees).  Learn more and watch the video here.

Another highlight is a remarkable double piano from Pleyel (see video below), which is one of only 50 ever made. This model, which has a guide price of £30,000-£50,000 + fees, was once owned by the concert pianist wife of French writer and minister of culture André Malraux. In the video below, David Winston sits down with his friend and concert pianist, Dame Imogen Cooper, to discuss the collection as a whole including the Pleyel double grand piano, which can be seen being played by Dame Imogen Cooper and Xiaowen Shang from the Royal Academy of Music, London. 

Speaking about the sale, Will Richards, Deputy Chairman of Dreweatts said, “It is rare to see so many exquisite pianos together in one sale and we are proud to offer such an outstanding collection. It has been a pleasure working with David and getting a fuller understanding and appreciation of the collection and the passion that has gone into building such a wonderful group of instruments. This is an exciting moment as, in David’s words, they are released into the world."

The pianos have been collected by one of the world’s foremost piano restorers, David Winston, who has restored some of the most valuable pianos in the world, including those owned and played by the greatest names in classical music, including Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt. David Winston has a connoisseur’s eye for exceptional quality and unusual provenance. Many of his pianos are one-off pieces with significant historic importance. His collection represents a lifetime’s passion coupled with an exceptional depth of knowledge and personal involvement. 

Commenting, he says, “The first thing for me is that it must be something that nobody else has. It must be both an excellent musical instrument and a beautiful object. Each was chosen for its’ unique place in history, art and culture.”

Among other highlights in the sale is a Wurlitzer 1411 Butterfly grand (above). At only 4’1” it is one of the smallest 88 note grand pianos ever made. It features an iconic case design, making it one of the most highly sought-after Art Deco instruments of all time (Est. £10,000-£15,000 + fees). Another is the first piano ever built by David, a stunning Viennese Fortepiano created in 1991 (below), based on an original by Joseph Brodmann, 1823. A remarkable instrument, the piano has been used internationally in many recordings and concerts by some of the world’s leading musicians (Est. £15,000-£25,000 + fees).

Other covetable instruments include a handsome ship’s piano with folding keyboard, purchased by the RAF WWI Flying ace Captain Norman Macmillan for his wife, the Music Hall singer, Ena Beaumont (Est. £1,500-£2,000 + fees).

View more highlights here.

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AUCTION:
The auction will take place at Dreweatts on Thursday 23 September at 12pm BST:

Dreweatts
Donnington Priory
Newbury
Berkshire RG14 2JE

VIEWING:
The sale can be viewed by appointment at the Period Piano Company (not Dreweatts) from Monday 6 September:  

Period Piano Company
Park Farm Oast
Frittenden Road
Biddenden
Kent TN27 8LG

To book an appointment, please email: housesales@dreweatts.com or call 44 (0) 1635 553 553. 

ENQUIRIES:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | housesales@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: smaylor@dreweatts.com