We are thrilled to announce that the Steinway baby grand piano recently acquired by the Conservancy will soon be on public display for the very first time!
The piano formerly resided in the Grand Ballroom of the SS
United States
, where passengers were enchanted nightly by the sounds of this one-of-a-kind instrument. Starting February 1, it will be on display at
Steinway Hall
in Manhattan.
The
United States
’ baby grand isn’t only famous for the bandleaders and entertainers, including Duke Ellington, who once played it. Its design and materials were once at the center of an unusual and contentious dispute during the outfitting of the world’s fastest ocean liner.
In order to make the ship completely fireproof, the
United States
’ designer, William Francis Gibbs, demanded that there would be no wood on board the vessel. He famously asked Theodore Steinway to craft pianos in aluminum. After Steinway vehemently refused, an argument ensued resulting in Steinway, the company president, dousing a piano in kerosene and igniting it. His stunt demonstrated the fire-resistant qualities of mahogany, proving his pianos wouldn’t be a threat to the ship’s safety. Gibbs finally relented.
“Now thousands of people will be able to see this legendary piano, which, like America’s Flagship, is an amazing feat of American design and craftsmanship,” said Susan Gibbs, President of the Conservancy. “We are very appreciative of Steinway & Sons for providing such a wonderful home for this historic piano while our plans for a museum and the ship’s revitalization are advanced. We are also grateful to Conservancy board members Mark Perry and Robert Forbes, whose generosity enabled us to add this extraordinary artifact to our collections.”
