Take for my history page.
1804
Challen Pianos London were Est., they were later
acquired by Barratt & Robinson England.
Challen made the largest piano in 1924 for the Silver Jubilee of George
and Mary, There may have been two pianos or the one
withdrawn repainted and polished and turned out again. This was
a letter in the Piano Tuners Quarterly form Challen dated 19th
December 1940, saying:
"Particulars of the world's largest grand piano, manufactured by
Charles H. Challen & Sons. This instrument was made in honour
of the Silver Jubilee of their Majesties King George V and Queen
Mary and is the largest grand piano in the world. It has created a
profound impression in musical and engineering circles. It is 11ft
and 8 inches long, weighs one and a quarter tons, and the
combined tensile stress of the strings amounts to over 30 tons.
The iron frame alone weighs six and a half hundred weight and
the largest bass string is 9ft 11 inches.
The experimental work in connection with its production took
over 12months, and the cost amounted to over £600. In spite of its
immense dimensions and strength, so perfectly has everything
been calculated that it is even easier to play than an ordinary
piano. it is a feat of British Piano engineering, which places the
British industry definitely on top. It was first shown at the British
Industries fair in 1935, where it was inspected by H M Queen,
was played to her by Billy Mayerl. At a later date Sir Walford
Davies, Master of the King's Music, also played the instrument
and in reference to the piano he stated 'it is indeed a glorious
instrument. It has the bass or an organ and yet the intimacy of
touch and tone of the finest piano I have every played. A great
achievement'. It has been used on several occasions for
broadcasting.
Charles H Challen"
Barrie
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Barrie Heaton | Be Environmentally Friendly
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