BRINSMEAD UPRIGHT PIANO
with a polished, satinwood case and gate legs. Formerly the property of Vesta Tilley
An 1855c, Brinsmead upright piano with a birch case and carved cabriole legs. Cabinet features intricate, fretwork front panels. Formerly the property of English music hall performer and male impersonator, Vesta Tilley
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Price: SOLD
Vesta Tilley
Matilda Alice Powles (13 May 1864 - 16 September 1952) was an English music hall performer. She adopted the stage name Vesta Tilley and became one of the best-known male impersonators of her era. Her career lasted from 1869 until 1920. Starting in provincial theatres with her father as manager, she performed her first season in London in 1874. She typically performed as a dandy or fop, also playing other roles. She found additional success as a principal boy in pantomime. By the 1890s, Tilley was England's highest earning woman. She was also a star in the vaudeville circuit in the United States, touring a total of six times. She married Walter de Frece, a theatre impresario who became her new manager and songwriter.
At a Royal Command Performance in 1912, she scandalised Queen Mary because she was wearing trousers. During the First World War she was known as "England's greatest recruiting sergeant" since she sang patriotic songs dressed in khaki fatigues like a soldier and promoted enlistment drives. Source: Wikipedia
