The Player Piano Group world was saddened today to learn of the
death of Gerald Stonehill.  He was one of the Group's founder members
from 1959 and was one of the world's renowned experts of the Duo-art.

Many of us will remember meetings at his house, No. 1 The Boltons,
not far from Harrods.  At these meetings Gerald would give erudite
presentations of, perhaps, French or Russian music, drawing from his
huge collection of Duo-art rolls, the largest in the world, which he
purchased from Harrods when they closed their roll library.

He will be remembered, too, for South Bank Duo-Art concerts where his
'Robot' Vorsetzer was in use to great effect.  Later in collaboration
with the recording company Nimbus, Gerald made several CDs of Duo-art
recording artists, this to considerable acclaim.

In later years Gerald relocated to Denham, Surrey, where he lived with
his wife Eileen.  After suffering a debilitating stroke, Gerald felt
the time had come to pass on his piano and collection to other caring
stewards.  This he did with the help of Christies and hopefully his
care in amassing a fine Steinway piano and a fine roll collection will
pass on his spirit to further generations.

Peter Davis - Chairman (Player Piano Group)