David Winston by Julian Machin

Somewhere between Bjorn Borg’s second win in the Wimbledon Mens Final and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee during the summer of 1977, I met the young David Winston, piano restorer and instrument-builder, newly-arrived from his native California.

Today, although somewhat silvered, David seems hardly to have changed and the memories are pleasant still of that perfect summer, when he presented as an exotic, quizzical manifestation of lugubriousness and mischief. Even then, he was an engaging maverick, but not seemingly the future restorer of some of the most important and rare keyboard instruments in the world. These would come to include the actual pianos of Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt. In 2012, in recognition of his expertise, David Winston was awarded the Royal Warrant as Conservator and Restorer of Pianos to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A lone wolf indeed.

We come now to be selling his fine collection of keyboard instruments. It’s one that sets him apart in its vision and sensibilities. Unlike others - which are restricted to specific periods - The David Winston Collection follows the pattern of his enquiring and wide-ranging mind. It includes refined instruments of the 18th century as well as experimental, forward-looking and breath-taking examples of the 20th century. Each is an individual work of art. David’s instruments are more than merely that, they are beautifully-representative of vanished and romantic eras; carrying associations with famous players and historic friendships, all curated as beautifully-fashioned, giant music-boxes, rare and life-enhancing. The David Winston Collection represents a lifetime’s commitment to the nurture of period instruments: a collection built on style and sound put together with extraordinary knowledge and flair.

Julian Machin's Top Picks

No. 1

Lot 9: † A 7'10'' 61/2 octave CC-G4 Viennese fortepiano copy, David Winston, 1995, after the Joseph Brodmann 1823 model | Est. £15,000-18,000 (+ fees)

"It’s the audaciousness of copying such a fine instrument and creating something so distinct, yet complementary, which makes this so admirable."

No. 2

Lot 19: Y† Pleyel, Paris; a rare double grand piano, number 18907, 1929 | Est. £30,000-50,000 (+ fees)

"The nobility of this mighty beast is unparalleled and its associations are almost legendary, but its sweetness of sound - as in Dame Imogen Cooper’s and Xiaowen Shang’s playing - make it one of the most wondrous pianos imaginable."

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No. 3

Lot 33: † A Regency ebonised and parcel gilt piano stool, circa 1815, Erard, London | Est. £800-1,200 (+ fees)

"Erard always manufactured understated quality, and this stool is a rare example of their quiet genius."

No. 4

Lot 39: † Wurlitzer, Cincinnati; a 4'1'' butterfly grand piano, circa 1937 | Est. £10,000-15,000 (+ fees)

"Its faultless design and subtle execution make this Wurlitzer as timeless and iconic as the great P. G. Wodehouse."

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AUCTION DETAILS
Thursday 23 September | 12 noon BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer.

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 553 513. 

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