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Autopiano Collection

"Capturing the Melodies of Time: Exploring the World of Autopianos" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of autopianos

Background imageAutopiano Collection: Anita Chartres sitting at a player piano, c. 1898 (silver gelatin print)

Anita Chartres sitting at a player piano, c. 1898 (silver gelatin print)
MNY381352 Anita Chartres sitting at a player piano, c.1898 (silver gelatin print) by Byron Company (fl.1890-1942); 20.3x25.4 cm; Museum of the City of New York

Background imageAutopiano Collection: A Hardman Peck & Co. player piano, 1907 (silver gelatin print)

A Hardman Peck & Co. player piano, 1907 (silver gelatin print)
MNY381266 A Hardman Peck & Co. player piano, 1907 (silver gelatin print) by Byron Company (fl.1890-1942); 20.3x25.4 cm; Museum of the City of New York, USA; (add.info.: established in 1842)

Background imageAutopiano Collection: Man and woman playing a player piano, New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print)

Man and woman playing a player piano, New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print)
MNY381261 Man and woman playing a player piano, New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print) by Byron Company (fl.1890-1942); 19.2x25.4 cm; Museum of the City of New York

Background imageAutopiano Collection: Four men, one playing an H. Bruman Co. player piano, 1907 (silver gelatin print)

Four men, one playing an H. Bruman Co. player piano, 1907 (silver gelatin print)
MNY381229 Four men, one playing an H. Bruman Co. player piano, 1907 (silver gelatin print) by Byron Company (fl.1890-1942); 19.2x25.4 cm; Museum of the City of New York

Background imageAutopiano Collection: Women playing a player piano and a violin, New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print)

Women playing a player piano and a violin, New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print)
MNY381263 Women playing a player piano and a violin, New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print) by Byron Company (fl.1890-1942); 19.2x25.4 cm; Museum of the City of New York

Background imageAutopiano Collection: A player piano, 1915-16 (silver gelatin print)

A player piano, 1915-16 (silver gelatin print)
MNY381225 A player piano, 1915-16 (silver gelatin print) by Byron Company (fl.1890-1942); 19.2x25.4 cm; Museum of the City of New York, USA; (add.info.: made by Whitman)

Background imageAutopiano Collection: Player piano recital, New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print)

Player piano recital, New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print)
MNY381262 Player piano recital, New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print) by Byron Company (fl.1890-1942); 19.2x25.4 cm; Museum of the City of New York, USA; eMuseum of the City of New York; American

Background imageAutopiano Collection: A player piano by Ricca & Son Piano Co. 1907 (silver gelatin print)

A player piano by Ricca & Son Piano Co. 1907 (silver gelatin print)
MNY381278 A player piano by Ricca & Son Piano Co. 1907 (silver gelatin print) by Byron Company (fl.1890-1942); 20.3x25.4 cm; Museum of the City of New York

Background imageAutopiano Collection: A man playing a player piano in a piano showroom in New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print)

A man playing a player piano in a piano showroom in New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print)
MNY381265 A man playing a player piano in a piano showroom in New York, 1907 (silver gelatin print) by Byron Company (fl.1890-1942); 20.3x25.4 cm; Museum of the City of New York

Background imageAutopiano Collection: Aeolian piano

Aeolian piano
Aeolian Co. Man and woman at an Aeolian player piano. Date: 1906

Background imageAutopiano Collection: Demonstrating a pianola

Demonstrating a pianola
Aeolian Co. Man demonstrating the Aeolian player piano



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"Capturing the Melodies of Time: Exploring the World of Autopianos" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of autopianos. These captivating silver gelatin prints from the late 19th and early 20th centuries transport us to a bygone era, where music filled the air with effortless grace. In one image, we see Anita Chartres seated at a player piano circa 1898. Her fingers delicately dance across the keys, coaxing out beautiful melodies that resonate through her surroundings. The intricate craftsmanship of this instrument is evident, showcasing its timeless appeal. A Hardman Peck & Co. Player piano from 1907 takes center stage in another photograph. Its elegant design exudes sophistication as it stands proudly amidst its surroundings. This remarkable piece invites us to imagine the countless hours spent creating harmonious tunes that once echoed through grand halls. The joyous scene captured in New York City during 1907 showcases a man and woman engrossed in their musical performance on a player piano. Their passion for music shines brightly as they effortlessly synchronize their movements with this mesmerizing instrument's rhythm. Four men gather around an H. Bruman Co. Player piano also from 1907, each taking turns playing and reveling in its melodic capabilities. It serves as a testament to how these instruments brought people together, fostering moments of shared delight and camaraderie. In yet another snapshot from New York City during that same year, women are seen skillfully combining their talents on both a player piano and violin simultaneously – an awe-inspiring display of musical prowess that leaves us captivated by their artistry. Moving forward to 1915-16, we encounter a stunning example of an autopianos' evolution—a sleek silver gelatin print featuring an exquisite model standing proudly against time's passage while still retaining its allure for generations to come.