Charles Francis Annesley Voysey (1857 - 1941) for Collard and Collard

mahogany, the moulded cornice above heart pierced panels, the keyboard flanked by a pair of capped uprights

Anon, The Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the New Gallery, Studio XXVIII, 1903, pp. 28 & 179
Edward W. Gregory, The Seventh Exhibition of Arts and Crafts in London, House & Garden, III, New York, 1903, pp. 208-213
Wendy Hitchmouth, C.F.A. Voysey, London, 1995, p. 151

An attractive piece in overall good condition. Piece is of a more mid-brown patina than the catalogue illustration suggests. There are some old marks and scratches consistent with age. A 4cm. section of veneer replaced to the right side of the lid and further signs of restoration to each capped finial. An approximately 20cm. area of discoloration to lower left hand side. The top to the piece is detached and its screwed hinges need reaffixing. Movement not tested of guaranteed, but the piece appears to be in functional condition. A decorative piece ready for display.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Voysey's design for a `Cottage Piano' in oak for his wife, Mary, first appears in a drawing dated May 1902 in the collection of the Royal Institute of British Architects.   Voysey slightly adapted  the design, with the removal of an upper section and the addition of further pierced panels in the centre, and the piano was put into commercial manufacture by the specialist firm of Collard and Collard.  They first exhibited the instrument at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the New Gallery, as catalogue number 456 `Piano by Collard and Collard.  Designed by C.F.A. Voysey. £78 15s'. 

Another Collard and Collard example, in rosewood, was sold Sotheby's New Bond Street, Applied Arts from 1880, 19 October 1990, as lot 320.

A further version in oak,  which formed part of the original furnishings of Holly Mount, near Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, the house Voysey designed in 1905-1906 for C.T. Burke, sold Sotheby's Olympia, Fine Decorative Arts and Design from 1870, 9 September 2003, as lot 120, where the original design for Mrs Voysey is reproduced.