About the instrument
The table piano was produced around 1827 by Brussels piano maker Karel Kadel. Charles (Karel) Kadel was a native of Amsterdam, but settled in Brussels, then part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, shortly before 1827.
Table pianos were particularly popular instruments in the 19th century. Not only were they more affordable than grand pianos, they were more practical: folded shut, they could be used as a table and fit perfectly into the salons of the bourgeoisie. In the mid-19th century, however, upright pianos became more popular, so the table piano increasingly faded into obscurity.
The restorer
Museum Vleeshuis entrusted the restoration of this unique instrument to Bart Houtgraaf of Andriessen Pianos-Vleugels in Haarlem. His company specialises in restoring historic pianos, using historic materials and techniques to preserve the original sound and character of the instrument as effectively as possible. Moreover, Houtgraaf's team is passing on this expertise to the next generation of craftsmen - interns and students in training - so that the music heritage stays alive. We are delighted to make our contribution to that with this restoration commission.
