Brinsmead Piano Birch Case Fretwork Panels Formerly the Property of Vesta Tilley

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About the Item

An 1855c, Brinsmead upright piano with a birch case. Cabinet features intricate, fretwork panels on the front of the cabinet in an arabesque design with gilt accents. Fretwork panels are backed with green fabric. Their design incorporates organic motifs including stylised flowers, foliage and finials. Piano has cabriole legs carved with C-scrolls and acanthus leaves with gilt detail. Two fretwork candle holders attach to the underside of the piano fall. The piano maker's name is hand-painted in gilt on the underside of the fall. The piano cheeks are rounded in design. Piano pedals are made from wood, topped with two brass circular plates. Piano formerly the property of English music hall performer and male impersonator, Vesta Tilley Matilda Alice Powles (1864 - 1952) was an English music hall performer. She adopted the stage name Vesta Tilley and became one of the best-known male impersonators of her era. Her career lasted from 1869 until 1920. Starting in provincial theatres, she performed her first season in London in 1874. She typically performed as a dandy or fop, also playing other roles. She also found success as a principal boy in pantomime. By the 1890s, Tilley was England's highest earning woman. She was also a star in the vaudeville circuit in the United States, touring a total of six times. She married Walter de Frece, a theatre impresario who became her new manager and songwriter. At a Royal Command Performance in 1912, she scandalised Queen Mary because she was wearing trousers. During the First World War she was known as "England's greatest recruiting sergeant" since she sang patriotic songs dressed in khaki fatigues like a soldier and promoted enlistment drives. Becoming Lady de Frece in 1919, she decided to retire and made a year-long farewell tour from which all profits went to children's hospitals. Her last performance was in 1920 at the Coliseum Theatre, London. She then supported her husband when he became a Member of Parliament and later retired with him to Monte Carlo. She died in 1952 on a visit to London and is buried at Putney Vale Cemetery. Her life story was commemorated in the 1957 film After the Ball. Source: Wikipedia.

Dimensions:
Height: 49.22 in (125 cm)Width: 54.34 in (138 cm)Depth: 25.6 in (65 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Birch,Brass,Carved,Fretwork
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1855
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Piano in good original condition. Instrument in playable condition.
Seller Location:
Leeds, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: Ref 28521stDibs: LU6879230984822

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