Bechstein pianos of this era are already prized for their Golden Age tone — warm, singing treble and resonant bass — but those in Arts and Crafts cases have a double appeal: they are both fine musical instruments and authentic pieces of decorative history. The Arts and Crafts movement, led by designers like William Morris in Britain, celebrated honesty in craftsmanship, simplicity of line, and the beauty of natural materials.

Known for their unmistakable craftsmanship and rich tonal qualities, Bechstein instruments from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are often described as belonging to the Golden Age of Bechstein Pianos. Each restoration is a chance to preserve history and craftsmanship for a new generation of pianists. For us, the Golden Age of Bechstein Pianos isn’t just a period in history – it’s a standard of excellence we work to honour in every instrument that comes into our workshop

Their instruments were praised for their warm, singing tone, responsive touch, and elegant casework. Bechstein pianos graced the concert halls and royal courts of Europe, becoming the preferred choice of many virtuoso pianists. Bechstein pianos are renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship. The use of fine spruce for soundboards, precision scaling, and hand-voiced hammers results in instruments with exceptional clarity and tonal richness.

When people think of fine pianos, names like Steinway and Blüthner often spring to mind. Yet here in Britain, Welmar carved out a proud reputation for instruments that blended German tradition with British craftsmanship. Welmar pianos are still treasured and restored today and at Restore and More, we take pride in bringing these instruments back to life.

The streets smell of sulphur from the gas lights and the echoes of ship horns vibrate in the air. Music and arts sweep the city in a flurry of orchestras and leafy boulevards. Early in the morning servants can be seen stoking the fires and preparing the breakfasts. Pianos just like me, were born in this city of thriving culture.

But do you know everything you need to for that one piano pub quiz question, to dazzle your friends?

Bridge pins are small metal pins located on the bridge and are critical in the piano's soundboard assembly for transmitting vibrations.

Vivaldi is mostly known for his virtuosic violin concertos and his influence on the development of instrumental music in the Baroque period.

Do cracks in a piano soundboard matter? What does the soundboard do, the impact of cracks and whether or not they are a concern.