Erard | Wonderful History & Ownership

Manufacturer: Érard, Paris/London. Previous Owner: Count John Francis McCormack, Churchfields, Milltown, Dublin. Last Owner: Collector John McHugo, Grosvenor Road, Rathgar, Dublin. Played by: Count John Francis McCormack at his home in Milltown, Dublin. Played by: Pianist and former Prime Minister of Poland Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Played by: American Pianist and singer-songwriter Gerry Lee Lewis. This particular piano was played by the renowned Polish pianist and statesman Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) who was strongly associated with Érard, frequently championing their instruments through his worldwide concert tours. There is a brass plate attached to this piano mentioning that Paderewski played it.  Owner and collector John McHugo purchased this Érard in the early 1990’s from a gentleman living in Churchfields, Milltown, Dublin. John does not remember his name but said he was a lecturer in Ballyfermot Technical College. The old period house that the lecturer was living in belonged to Count John McCormack who was the owner of the Érard during the 1980’s. Count John Francis McCormack (1884-1945) was an Irish Tenor celebrated for his performances of the operatic and popular song repertoires, and renowned for his diction and breath control. His was also a Papal Count. McCormack became a naturalised American citizen before returning to live in Ireland. Collector and most recent owner John McHugo was a friend of Gerry and ex-wife Kerri Lee Lewis. Lewis gave piano lessons to John’s daughter on this piano in the early 1990’s. “I’m still in contact with Kerri Lee Lewis”. The piano is preserved in its original condition by Cathal O’Briain, owner and piano restorer/tuner/technician at O’Briain Pianos, Lucan, Dublin. The piano plays very well for its age and tuning is stable. Mechanically excellent having being through a thorough overhaul. www.obriainpianogallery.com