Dankworth Dynasty | Sir John Dankworth Piano

See the first piano of Britain's first 'Jazz Knight' Sir John Dankworth.

One of our key exhibition items at The Jazz Centre UK is the first piano of Britain's first jazz Knight.

The old upright piano was probably built in the early years of the twentieth century by J.C.Browne, 154 Brecknock Road, Camden Road London, and it’s possible that Sir John’s mother - a dedicated singer and choir mistress with several relations who were professional musicians - may have bought it new, or nearly so. “As far back as I can recall,” wrote Sir John in his autobiography ‘Jazz in Revolution (Constable, 1998)” - I was expected to look over her shoulder at the piano music stand and keep my end up.

I struggled manfully to sight-read unfamiliar notes, coupling them with unfamiliar words which were nowhere near the notes at the bottom of the page” (Such early and tough training may begin to explain why - later on - Sir John could write a complete score by torchlight at the back of the band-bus or correct apart by reading it upside-down on a musician’s stand!).

Over the years to come— long after Sir John and Dame Cleo would have stipulated (at the very least) a Steinway Grand in their contracts in concert halls all around the world - the piano stayed patiently in their home at The Old Rectory in Wavendon, the pretty village near Milton Keynes. But finally, its long-term lodgings came to an end. The Wavendon Foundation couldn’t find new ones, so finally it was rescued by daughter Jacqui. “ I had it at home for a while,” she says “- and actually used to play it when I was younger”. But then she passed it on to brother Alec who kept it for a while; ”before” as he says “ - we hauled it over the road to give it to my neighbour. And in due time he put it on E-bay”

That’s how it came to the attention of The Jazz Centre UK when Digby Fairweather had a call from Terry Cheney, the editor of Britain’s invaluable monthly ‘Jazz Guide’. “Sir John Dankworth’s first piano is on E-bay,” he said and: “fine,” said Fairweather “ - but surely we could never afford it?” “I think you might,” said Cheney “ - the starting bid is £5.00!” So the deal was sealed at the reasonable settlement of £10.00 “ and in due course, the piano was trundled into the basement space of our Centre.

Sir John Dankworth's piano has been beautifully refurbished by the Centre’s restorer Tim Basket. Due to its wooden frame, it was decided that - at least for now - the piano should remain silent. We do hope to restore it back to its full playing capability again in the future via a funded project. It is now presented within our Heritage Centre alongside the Humphrey Lyttelton collection, Louis Armstrong’s very own trumpet and endless other priceless artefacts. “The nicest things,” says Fairweather “ - begin in the strangest places”.

Click the button below to learn more about the Sir John Dankworth Exhibit.