in London
There is no metallic bracing to this piano, and it affords a good example of how much the introduction of the downstriking principle would simplify and cheapen the instruments of this form, as Mr. Stodart’s does in reference to the Square. A piccolo upright, 6¾ octaves, C to A, by the same maker, is a good specimen of the first form of low upright, with vertical strings. The peculiar action of the piccolo, patented by Mr. Wornum, in 1829, has been extensively followed by foreign makers." Newton's London Journal of Arts and Sciences, 1851, p. 37
It is, in fact, a small square or table piano, which, instead of being placed en legs, is hung on centres and suspended between two uprights, can played upon it is put in a horizontal position, and when not very little be swung back into a vertical position, in which it occupies very little space. For small rooms, for the study, and for use on board ship it is admirably adapted; and we have no doubt Mr. Wornum will have a great sale for these little pianos." The Illustrated London News, 14/06/1862, p. 616
LONDON -
"Messrs. ROBERT WORNUM and Sons
(3450) exhibit three instruments, namely :—
1. An upright with oblique strings. This plan, which has come into such extensive application as a means of giving incl'msod length of string to low upright instruments, was patented by the late Robert Wornum in March 1811. It has also other ingenious oontrivances by the same inventor. 2. A grand pianoforte constructed without iron bracing. 3. A patent square pianoforte, on the down-striking principle of a small size and so contrived as when out of use to admit of being turned upright, and so to take up very little room. Messrs. Wornum are awarded a Medal for novelty of invention." Reports by the Juries on the subjects in the thirty-six classes into which ..., 1862, p. 148
PARIS -
"Mr. R. Wornum has sent grand and square pianos and a piccolo; the latter is
a capital instrument. With regard to the first named, on opening the piano
it will be found to present a different appearance from other instruments.
The absence of "metal bracings" will be noticed, and it will be found that the instrument is constructed on what is known as the down striking principle, in contradistinction to the "up blow" in general use. This principle appears to have been invented so early as 1774, and amongst its advantages it appears that the employment of iron may be avoided. It will be readily understood that a piano constructed entirely of wood can be produced at a comparatively moderate price. The grand and square pianos exhibited by Mr. Wornum are constructed on a plan based upon this system. The price of the grand is 135 guineas." Reports on the Paris Universal Exhibition, 1867, Volume 2, p. 199
After a careful examination of the various specimens, it became clear that the plainer the instrument as regards its exterior adornment, the more suitable and elegant it appears. A large grand pianoforte is always a prominent piece of furniture in a room, and when this obtrusiveness is increased by over-colouring or by too much ornamentation, it becomes positively offensive to the eye, especially if the apartment in which it stands is small or fully furnished." The British Almanac, 1872, p. 124
PARIS -
"Wornum, Robert, & Sons ; Fabricants de pianos, Inventeurs ; 16, Store
Street, Bedford Square, London.
Un piano à queue en fer (d'une longueur de moins de 6 pieds anglais). Système de construction inventé et breveté par A. N. Wornum en 1875, ayant cet avantage sur la méthode allemande dite "cross stringing" (cordes croissées) que tandis que les cordes sont placées parallelement les unes aux autres, leurs longueurs ne sont pas diminuees, ce qui permet une construction plus simple et moins lourde surtout dans les parties en fer. Par ce moyen il n'y a plus de necessité d'élargir le devant de la caisse. La mécanique sort du coté de la basse, les claviers et les étouffoirs restants en place.- Un piano à queue, 8 pieds anglais en longueur construit sur le même principe. Un piano dit "Piccolo" (bicorde, avec cordes demi-obliques), invention de feu Mr. Robert Wornum, brevetée en 1826. Les principes du mecanisme sont universellement adoptes dans les meilleurs instruments." Catalogue officiel de la section anglaise, 1878, p. 67 (archive.org)
A short Iron Grand Pianoforte (length under 6 feet). Method of construction invented and patented by A. N. Worum in 1875. It has the advantage over the usual German method of “cross-stringing,” in that, whilst the strings are arranged parallel, their lengths are not reduced, and it allows the ironwork in particular and the construction in general to be simpler and of less weight. It also does away with the necessity of widening the front of the case. The action is withdrawn from the bass side, leaving the keys and “ damper action” in position. A Grand, 8 feet in length, constructed on the same principle. A Piccolo Pianoforte (bichord, with semi-oblique strings). This action was invented by the late R. Wornum, and patented in 1826, and its principles are universally adopted in the best mechanisms." Official Catalogue of the British Section, Paris Exhibirion, 1878, p. 64-65
It is claimed that it has the advantage over the usual German method of cross stringing in that while the strings are arranged parallel their lengths are not reduced, and it allows the ironwork in particular and the construction in general to be simpler and of less weight. It also obviates the necessity of widening the front of the case. The action is withdrawn from the bass side, leaving the keys and damper action in position. The same firm also send (2.) a grand, eight feet in length, constructed on the same principle, and (3.) a piccolo bichord piano, with semi-oblique strings. action was invented by the late Robert Wornum, and was patented in 1826, and its principles have formed the groundwork of the actions of some of the best English, American, and foreign makers." Music Trades Review, Volumes 1-14, 15/05/1878, p. 2
Where all are good, and where every maker has vied with the rest to gain the palm in honourable competition, we do not intend to venture upon any comparison. The question of merit may for the present be safely left in the hands of the jurors. But we may say that the English pianos have all been especially admired for their solidity and excellence of workmanship." Music Trades Review, 15/06/1878, p. 2
WORNUM
Click on the links above.
For more information and references see page alfabetic W
| |
