1864

Henry Brinsmead was elected to the Society of the Arts in London. See at bottom left part of page.

Here's a mention of Henry Brinsmead Pianoforte Company being involved in the discussion about what musical pitch should be adopted for piano recitals at the International Exhibition of 1872.

The Journey Has Begun!

Dear friends and family,

This week Tuesday the Walter Piano Transport truck arrived in Bel Air, Maryland, to pick up my Henry Brinsmead piano, graciously donated by the Maryland Conservatory of Music.

What's really amazing and bittersweet is that the truck is scheduled to be in New York today. That is significant because my piano-making family in London was split up in 1880 by the tragic death of Mary Ann Brinsmead, my great-great-grandmother. By the spring of 1881 my great-great-grandfather William (who worked on this piano) left three children behind with his father Henry Brinsmead, and took two sons (William and Arthur) across the Atlantic to New York.

It was in New York that the father was not longer able or willing to provide for his sons, and by November surrendered them to an orphanage.

Later, little William returned to New York as an adult, a US Army band leader stationed at West Point Military Academy. While there, he composed the "Khaki and Blue March" for officers in training such as Douglas MacArthur (Class of 1903). He also met and married my great-grandmother there.

So New York is both the past setting of tragedy and success for my family. How appropriate that the Brinsmead piano is rolling through the state today, as other pianos are picked up.

Here is my Facebook page telling of my fundraising effort to help me raise the $1300 it is costing me to move it all the way back to Spokane, Washington. You don't have to join Facebook to give. All that's required is a Paypal account (which I have used safely for several years).

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Back-the-Brinsmead/119257641487887

But don't feel pressured to give... if nothing else, you can be excited with me for recovering a historical peek into my family's past. It's the musical equivalent of finding out that the uniform of your Civil War ancestor has been found in a museum that wants to donate it to you.

More details to come soon...

Better news

I just got a price estimate from Pro Piano Movers to move the piano from Maryland to here... about $1300. That's significantly better than the scenarios where I could go out to get it.

So I'll be mulling that over this week...

Brian

Youtube of my project

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxzZrfK7wyU

This features a Victorian soundtrack composed by my great-great-grandfather William in 1863. It gives you a taste of the family story. Particularly moving to me was the recent discovery that the reason my great-great-grandmother died of bronchitis was because of the killer fog of 1880... I'm not joking, read here:

http://www.neatorama.com/tag/london-fog/

Making Plans

... and weighing options.



It looks like it will cost just over 2 grand to move the piano from Maryland back to Washington, either by hiring a piano company or flying out there and renting a Budget truck for the way back.

so as I consider my choices, I am still determined to do it this summer. I welcome any help, whether that be words of encouragement, prayer, food/gas cards, or money. My address is:

Brian Huseland
5625 N. Monroe
Spokane, WA 99205

In exchange, I will share my cross-country experience with you, bringing back with me a piece of history!

Brinsmead

My great-grandfather William Brinsmead's life is an amazing story... born in a middle-class Victorian neighborhood on the north side of London, England. His father William's trade was "pianoforte maker". William's grandfather Henry had started his business back in 1835, manufacturing pianos with his famous younger brother John Brinsmead until they parted ways. Henry Brinsmead Pianos were made in London from 1835-1879, when Henry sold his business to John.

Henry's son William composed his own pieces, such as "Estelle Redowa" in 1861.

He then married William's mother, Mary Ann Williams, in 1866. At about this time Henry Brinsmead Pianofortes were constructed at 12 Rathbone Place, Oxford Street, London.

I have recently been offered a Henry Brinsmead piano, circa 1865, by a music school in Maryland which no longer has room for it. The piano is not in working condition yet, but as you can see in the pictures below, is in very good condition on the outside. What an amazing opportunity!!

The piano is mine if I can get to Maryland and bring it back. I am hoping to do this in June, once my school year is done. If anyone is interested in helping defray my costs, I would be very thankful for any help.

I will soon be posting a youtube video on my blog with more pictures of the Brinsmead family and my special goal. Also if you're on Facebook you can see my "Bring Back the Brinsmead" page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Bring-Back-the-Brinsmead/119257641487887

Till later,

Brian