Lot 544

Description

Agricultural Society of New South Wales, undated (1875), Practice with Science, in silvered bronze (90mm) by Hardy Brothers London & Sydney, inscribed on reverse 'Messrs W.H.Paling & Co/Pianofortes/ Class (die struck) 572/1875'. Most silver coating missing, graffiti on obverse, cleaned and now toned unevenly, otherwise very fine.

This medal was awarded in Non-Agricultural, Section II - Apparatus and Application of the Liberal Arts, Class 572. Mr W.H.Paling had six exhibits in pianofortes, the two principal ones of which were the grand concert pianoforte, and an oblique pianoforte both in walnut wood, and of splendid workmanship.

William Henry Paling (1825-1895), was a musician, merchant and philanthropist born at Woerden, Netherlands, the son of John Paling, a pianoforte manufacturer. He was a trained music teacher. He arrived at Sydney in 1853 and shortly after established the W H Paling & Co music store. It relocated a few times but traded until the 1980s at 338 George Street, Sydney from premises acquired in 1891. He also had stores at other locations. He had many notable achievements which can be read in Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol 5, (MUP), 1974.