The unique piano has become available for auction after having undertaken a three year tour of the UK, Davenport now wants to offer it some respite in a good home.
Singer songwriter Jamie Cullum had intended to home the piece until it became apparent that access points to his studio were too small for the 3m x 1.5m instrument.
The Baby Grand has attracted high profile interest since its conception in 2007, gaining advocacy from some of the most influential leaders in the design world.
Its wide spread appeal is largely due to its ability to enable the pianist to interact with the instrument in a revolutionary way, offering a more literal perspective to the word ‘harmony’ as the player controls movement as well as music.
Interior and Furniture Designer Sarah said “I have played the piano since I was three years old and have utilised it to escape from reality, however I became increasingly frustrated with the lack of soul I found in the majority of piano designs. I realised that when playing the piano - true music which evokes is not created by simply placing fingers on keys - but working with something - a force to communicate thoughts and feelings and to feed the soul.”
Located in Nottingham, England the instrument itself was crafted in the early 1900s, originally belonging to the Ambassador of Hong Kong, and the outer design is made of mirrored effect and veneered Canadian rock maple. Sarah said “I wanted the look of it to remain as simple as possible - overcomplicating materials or styles would have confused the message.
“After much deep consideration I realised that this force is actually your other persona - the other you. The mirror was introduced to reflect this fact and when playing chichi - you can visually work with 'you' playing back in the mirror. The character, sound and message of the piano changes according to the player, allowing a fluidity of 'soul' which anybody can become a part of."
Aptly and affectionately named ‘Chi Chi’, the piano was launched at the London Design Festival in 2007 and has since toured the UK, visiting concert halls, schools and contemporary art galleries.
Sarah added: “Over 1,000 people have put their fingers to the mirrored keys, from those who have never played the piano before to concert pianists, from under a year old to 80 and above.
“I wanted to create a feeling of oneness, which is where the movement was introduced. Many had fun rocking and laughing however many serious musicians have described losing all sense of time and place as they joined as one with Chichi.”
Whilst the piano is the only one of its type in existence Sarah intends to create unique pianos to order and is currently in talks with one of the worlds leading music companies about creating another to be showcased in the lobby of their Head Office.
Sarah is now keen for the piano to go to a good home and sealed bids will be accepted by Auctioneers John Pye & Sons between the Friday 14th and the Monday 31st of January.
For further details visit: or call Cathy Rowson on + 44 0870 910 9000 or email cathy@johnpye.co.uk
Further information:
The piano was built by Davenport Designers and Cabinetmakers, of which Sarah Davenport is the Creative Director.
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