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The piano tombstone, situated in the Eastern Cemetery of Highgate (which has two cemeteries - East and West), was set up by the family of the concert pianist William Henry Thornton, who is better known as Harry Thornton.
Harry passed away at the young age of 35, a casualty of the 1918 flu pandemic, commonly known as "The Spanish Flu." He was one among the estimated 50 million lives claimed by the most lethal pandemic in recorded history. At that time, there were no effective treatments available.
It is quite appropriate that my first post on The Tombstones & Taphophilia site is about Harry's grave, especially since, as of October 2022, we are hopefully emerging from the Covid-19 global pandemic. This pandemic has spanned over two years, bringing numerous national lockdowns and restrictions. To date, Covid-19 has led to an estimated 6.5 million deaths globally.
The Piano Tombstone
Harry's name is carved on top of the keys and some English lyrics from Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly are inscribed on the side of the piano.
“Sweet thou art sleeping
Cradled on my heart
Safe in god’s keeping
While I must weep apart.”
The tomb, crafted from marble, has undergone restoration to features like its open lid and the portrait relief on the music stand. It holds the status of a Grade II listed monument.
The tombstone is among the notable graves to see in the Eastern Cemetery, situated in section B4. During my visit to Highgate in September 2022, I was captivated by the way the light enveloped the baby grand piano monument, seemingly drawing the visitor's gaze to it, as if it beckoned, "See me, hear me."
I decided to photograph in black and white for this tombstone.
Harry (shown on the opposite side in his concert attire), together with his wife, was recognized for entertaining the soldiers during the First World War.
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