HOWARD HODGKIN | Back cloth design for 'Piano'

Aldeburgh, Peter Pears Gallery, Howard Hodgkin Stage Designs, 8th - 23rd June 2002, un-numbered exhibition.

The canvas has been fully laid down on to the card, however it is slightly lifting at a number of points around the edges, in particular to the vertical edges. There is some creasing to the canvas in the lower left and right corners. There is some associated rounding and loss of pigment in these corners. There is a small scratch to the right edge in the upper right quadrant. There are some ting flecks of loss to the left, right and lower edges. There is some very light surface dirt and evidence of some studio matter. This excepting the work appears to be in very good overall condition. The work is held behind perspex in a simple wooden frame. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
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‘I wouldn’t have wanted to make Piano without Howard. I’ve known his work for a number of years and I chose him because his painting has the same qualities of formal grandeur and intimacy as Beethoven’s music, which we both love’.
Ashley Page quoted in Jann Parry, 'An Eye for Dance', Observer, 16th July 1989. Taking Beethoven’s first Piano Concerto as the starting point, Ashley Page choreographed Piano for The Royal Ballet in close collaboration with Hodgkin.  As well as an exuberant backdrop that was gradually revealed throughout the performance, Hodgkin designed the costumes for the five principals and the corps de ballet.

Piano was first performed by The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden on 6^th October 1989.