The staff and pupils at Shiplake College would like to say a massive thank you to parent Jo McLaren-Clark for her very generous donation of a baby grand piano.
The 1895 John Broadwood Boudoir Grand now sits in pride of place in the Old Viking Room and a handful of pupils were lucky enough to have a little practice on it before school closed nearly two weeks ago.
In fact Beethoven played a Broadwood, and his 1813 piano is on display in a museum in Budapest, so the College is extremely fortunate to have such a fantastic item of musical history for all to enjoy for many years to come.
Miss McLaren-Clark, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that our treasured piano is going to such a wonderful home at Shiplake. An 1895 John Broadwood Boudoir Grand that I inherited from a legendary film stuntman Terry Forrestal after his death.
“After a full restoration twenty years ago, it has given so much enjoyment to both myself and my son learning to play on it.
“It has been a special part of my life and I wanted it to go to a worthy home where it will be enjoyed, be seen and heard in all its glory that such a beautiful instrument deserves. So where better than for the pupils at Shiplake?”
Mr Richard Curran, Director of Music, said: “Having such a beautiful piano housed in the exquisite setting of the Old Viking Room will make such a difference to the young musicians in College.
“It will provide a stunning space for pupils to practise, rehearse for concerts and deliver impromptu recitals and chamber concerts which will take place from time to time.”
From everyone at Shiplake thank you!
