King George IV’s grand piano will be played at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion for the first time in about 170 years. Originally made in 1821 by Thomas Tomkinson, the six-octave gilt and rosewood piano was removed from the Royal Pavilion by Queen Victoria in the mid-19th century. It was believed to have passed through private ownership until resurfacing at auction in 2017, when Brighton & Hove City Council purchased it and returned it to its original home.
The historic instrument, played by notable musicians such as Gioachino Rossini and Franz Liszt, has been restored and retuned by Brighton & Hove Museums (BHM). The restoration, led by Jean Maurer, reversed modifications made by previous owners to restore the piano’s original sound, including ensuring that each key once again plays three strings. Tuner Cesar Hernandez noted that the piano was in poor condition before the restoration.
The grand piano will be played by Glyndebourne Festival Opera’s Matthew Fletcher during a special event on Thursday evening. It has been placed in its original location in the Music Room Gallery, as verified by historical prints and drawings. Hedley Swain, CEO of BHM, expressed the significance of the restoration, stating that it enhances historical understanding and honors the piano’s rightful place at the Pavilion.
King George IV served as Prince Regent from 1811 and reigned as King of the United Kingdom from 1820 until his death in 1830.
