Upright (Cabinet) Piano 1801 M. & W. Stodart British The Stodard company was founded by Robert Stodart (fl. 1775-96) in London around 1775 and manufactured pianos until 1861. Stodart learned to build harpsichords and pianos from John Broadwood and was one of the British craftsmen who contributed to Americus Backers development of the English grand piano action. By 1794 Stodard's sons Matthew and William were both full partners and after Robert retired around 1796 continued as M. & W. Stodard, as can be seen on the label for this instrument. In 1795 the family started manufacturing upright pianos, patenting an upright cabinet piano design. The current instrument is an upright grand (with an action at the bottom end of the strings) that sits on a stand.Technical description: Vertical rectangular mahogany-veneer case with two glass doors lined with velvet panels decorated with painted birds, flowers, and musical instruments; strings and soundboard occupy the left side of the cabinet, this