A group of dedicated third-year BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Piano Tuning and Repair) have undertaken an extraordinary challenge: the full restoration of a 1909 Broadwood Boudoir Grand Piano.
With guidance from expert tutors, Vic Solomon and Simon Topping, the students meticulously worked on the historic instrument, employing both traditional craftsmanship and modern restoration techniques.
Restoring a piano of this caliber is no small feat. The team carefully stripped the instrument down to its core, ensuring every component was either restored, replaced, or re-regulated where necessary. One of the most complex and demanding tasks was removing the frame, a job requiring both technical expertise and precision.
The restoration process included:
Rebuilding the action – repairing, restoring, and regulating mechanisms for optimal performance
Refinishing the frame – stripping, refinishing, and replacing felts and strings
Restoring the casework – carefully re-veneering areas of the rosewood exterior
French polishing – applying a meticulous hand-polished finish to restore its original elegance
The students’ work highlights the importance of piano restoration as both an art form and a technical discipline. Projects like this not only preserve musical history but also equip students with the hands-on experience necessary for careers in the field.
The 1909 Broadwood Boudoir Grand Piano is now nearing the final stages of restoration, and the results speak for themselves—a beautifully restored instrument ready to produce music once again.
For those interested in the intricate world of piano restoration, this project stands as a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion required to bring historical instruments back to their former glory.
🎥 Watch the restoration process unfold in our video and see the transformation for yourself! Learn more about BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Piano Tuning and Repair) course.
