Frank Pollaro, one of the finest woodworking craftsmen alive today, created Diamonds in Satin, one of his Steinway & Sons art case piano masterpieces. The design features the striking Ceylon Satinwood, a most favored veneer among renowned 18th century furniture designers Chippendale, Sheraton, and Hepplewhite, also during the Louis XV and XVI periods. Its highly figured and distinctive yellow-gold hue is beautifully accentuated by the piano's plate, which is finished in a coordinating custom golden color. A striking diamond pattern of reverse veneer panels encases the outer rim and the lid. The angular effect of the diamond pattern is complemented by the geometric shaping of the arms, lyre and legs.
Frank Pollaro
East Orange, New Jersey
Frank Pollaro is one of the leading veneer craftsman in the United States today. He is known for his complex veneer and inlaid designs, and his furniture has been featured in the Neuberger Museum at SUNY Purchase, on television, and in numerous publications. Mr. Pollaro has designed many art case pianos for Steinway & Sons. One of these is an Art Deco design that can now be seen and heard in the Petrossian Lounge at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1999, Mr Pollaro designed the midnight blue "Rhapsody" Steinway honoring Steinway artist George Gershwin. His art case piano, "Diamonds on Satin," demonstrates that Mr. Pollaro's creative talents take design to an inspired level. In 2004, Mr. Pollaro designed the gold piano that commemorated the 80th birthday of Steinway Artist Roger Williams, entitled "Autumn Leaves."