'New era' for rare piano in museum revamp move

A century-old piano is set to move to a new home as the museum where it is placed closes for refurbishment.

Sunderland Pianoforte Society has kept the Model D Steinway at the city's Museum and Winter Gardens for decades, but the venue is closing its doors to visitors later ahead of a two year-revamp.

Society chair Eileen Bown said it was a "new era" and the group hoped to grow its audience when the instrument moved to Hope Street Xchange in the city centre in early October.

"I think it's going to be a really exciting new venture for the society," Bown said.

The piano, made in the Louis XVI style in light walnut, was built sometime around 1902 in Hamburg, Germany.

It is believed only six pianos were built in that style.

The society acquired it in the late 1960s after years of borrowing instruments.

Bown said the history of the organisation was "wrapped up with the museum", where they have stored the piano since the late 1960s and hosted monthly recitals.

"It's been a wonderful privilege for us to have such a lovely venue," the pianist said.

The society will host its final recital at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens on 29 September, with the piano moving to its new home the following week.

"It's very nostalgic actually," Bown said.

"I think we'll all feel quite a pang, so we'll try and make it special."

The £13.6m upgrade of the museum includes new entrance and galleries.

It is planned to reopen in late 2028.

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