WATCH: Street pianos play their last tune

Thursday 20 September 2018

A colourful three-year project that brought a new "vibe" to Jersey’s streets is finally playing its closing song.

Martin Coxshall, the maestro behind Jersey Street Pianos, is reluctantly bringing the project to a close and attempting to find a new home for his last unique piano which he described as “a part of history."

He reflected on the high notes with Express.

In 2015, Martin started commissioning artists to upcycle old pianos, which he would then install in various public places such as Liberty Wharf, the Harbour and the Market to bring some musical accompaniment to St Helier. 

“I did the pianos in the first place because I strongly believe that the benefits of arts and music in particular are overlooked," Martin recalled.

Pictured: Martin is trying to find a new home for this piano, painted by Will Bertram, which is currently stationed at the Harbour (Jersey Street Pianos).

Almost immediately, Martin noticed that the pianos were making a difference to the community. He said: “Wherever there was a piano, there was a different vibe; it changed the way people interacted together.”

Despite his passion for the project, Martin said that the practicalities of being the sole ‘piano man’ began to take its toll. He said: “One man can’t run Jersey Street Pianos. It’s a community project and the ownership needs to sit with the community or with arts organisations that have a community interest.”

However, Martin feels very proud of the community initiative, adding: “It was a great thing for me to do. It really was one of the highlights of my cultural career if I can say that I’ve got one!”

Video: Martin showing his musical skills at the Jersey Street Piano launch.

He thanked the artists who had upcycled the pianos as well as ArtHouse Jersey and Economic Development for their involvement in the project and he hopes that his work will inspire other islanders to start their own creative projects. 

He said: “I really want to empower people. These street pianos may be an idea that I’ve brought to fruition, but it’s not a new idea and I don’t have exclusive rights to it. I would love people to feel a bit more empowered to do these sorts of creative things themselves.”

If you’re interested in giving the last piano, which has been painted by local artist Will Bertram, a new home then contact Martin through Jersey Street Pianos on social media.