Handmade: By Royal Appointment

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Handmade: By Royal Appointment: Episode 4: Steinway

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Steinway

Episode 4

Episode 4: Steinway

BBC Four - Handmade: By Royal Appointment, Steinway

The craftsmen behind Steinway pianos, from German factory workers to a British restorer.

Series celebrating handcrafted objects made under the royal warrant. A portrait of the craftsmen behind Steinway pianos, from German factory workers to a British restorer.

Travelling between the factory in Hamburg, where Steinway pianos are still made largely by hand, and Steinway Hall in London, where a team of technicians maintain and restore the pianos, this film offers a portrait of the craftsmen behind the famous instrument. 

From the stoic German factory workers bending the frames and polishing the veneers, to long-standing British restorer Jeff about to retire from the company, the film lifts the lid on the dedication and skills required to make and maintain a prestige piano. 

Holders of a royal warrant since the days of Queen Victoria, Steinway supplies pianos to the royal household as well as many leading performers, and the film also follows renowned pianist Lang Lang preparing for a concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

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The making of four beautiful objects handcrafted by companies with a royal warrant.

Four-part series following the making of four beautiful objects, handcrafted by companies with a royal warrant.

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Episode 4: Steinway

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