This instrument was made by Broadwood and Sons in London around 1875. It has the serial no. 626.

Scotsman John Broadwood (1732–1812) moved to London in September 1761 to apprentice with harpsichord maker Burkat Shudi (1702–1773). Marrying Shudi’s daughter in 1769, he became a partner in the business in 1770, and its effective head from 1771. Broadwood, along with his contemporaries William Stodart and Americus Backers, is credited with the development of the English action. Among numerous innovations in piano-making, Broadwood patented the piano pedal in 1783. The Broadwood company prospered and survived until the 1990s.

This piano is straight strung and features a composite cast iron frame. Agraffes throughout the compass guide the strings to the tuning pins, and prevent the strings dislodging with the force of the hammers striking them.

The term ‘cottage grand’ indicates that this type of piano was suitable for an English country home.

This instrument was bought secondhand from Nicholson & Co. Sydney in 1926, by the grandparents of Julie Bof, who donated it to the School of Music in 2010.