Square piano c. 1805 - 1808

This square piano was crafted by Meincke and Pieter Meijer, using wood, metal and skilled artistry. The piano’s visual appeal lies in the wood, likely mahogany, carefully selected for its grain and then worked into elegant, geometric forms. Notice the linear simplicity, enhanced by brass inlays and ornamentation. The crafting of this instrument would have involved woodworking skills, from carving to joinery, alongside an understanding of acoustics. Metalwork is evident in the delicate brass details and the piano strings themselves. Consider the social context: pianos were luxury items, symbols of wealth and cultural refinement. Owning such an instrument meant access to education, leisure time, and a network of social connections. It represents the labour of many hands - from the timber workers who felled the trees, to the artisans shaping the wood and metal. Examining this piano allows us to appreciate the blend of craft, design, and social history that went into its creation.