A nineteenth century Erard concert grand, once used by Paderewski as a touring instrument. Paderewski (1860-1941) was considered one of the greatest pianists in the world. This piano was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Taylor, Marlene Fleet's future parents-in-law. Many years later, the piano was gifted to Marlene and her husband, Harvey, as a wedding present.

The Erard piano, once used as a touring instrument by Paderewski. The decoration is by Lucien Simonnet (1849-1926)

A letter from the Erard piano company confirming the sale of the piano at an exhibition in London in 1899.

A translation of the letter from the Erard piano company

The first page of Myra Hess' working score for Brahms' Sonata in F minor op.5. This was given to Marlene as a generous gift by fellow pianist, Geoffrey Pratley.

Vladimir Horowitz, the legendary Russian pianist, photographed by Marlene's husband, Harvey Taylor. The photograph was taken as he was leaving the Royal Festival Hall in London after a recital there in 1982.

Marlene Fleet was privileged to be gifted Leopold Godowsky's dumb piano (often referred to as a 'dummy keyboard') by her RAM professor, Robin Wood. Godowsky (1870-1938) was a celebrated pianist and composer. He was Polish by birth and American by naturalisation. Coincidentally, he and Marlene share the same birthday! Godowsky acquired the dumb piano from the manufacturers, Lyon and Healy. He used it to strengthen his hands after suffering a debilitating stroke in 1930.

Godowsky's stroke in 1930 ended his playing career and left him very depressed. Delia Porten wrote to the Godowsky Society about her meeting with Godowsky after he had suffered his stroke. She recalls him using the dumb piano as a form of physiotherapy for his paralysed arm.

Marlene's Hoffmann upright piano, formerly owned by composer and pianist, Patrick Piggott. Patrick used this piano to compose many of his later works, including the 'Rosanes Lieder'.

This lovely nineteenth century painting (after Boucher), is entitled 'The Garden Party' and is owned by Marlene and Harvey. It came from the home of the Asher family of 57, Wimpole Street, London. It is of particular interest to Marlene because of a musical connection to The Beatles. Paul McCartney lived at this address from 1964-1966 and it was here that he wrote the song, 'Yesterday'.