Harpsichord
Jacob Kirkman (1710 - 1792)
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
1762
Materials
walnut, ebony, gilt and boxwood
Place of origin
London
Collection
Fenton House, London
NT 1448919
Summary
A double-manual harpsichord inscribed on the fascia batten Jacob Kirckman Londini Fecit 1762. The case veneered with walnut and mahogany, inlaid with plain lines on a later stand (a post-WWII stand). The soundboard, bridges and action (except the lute ‘jacks’) are later replacements, but the soundboard is inset with an original gilt lead rose of Kirckman’s ‘second design’. Furnished with one lid prop-stick and a detachable ‘fallboard’. The keyboard compass FF (less FF#) – f ''', disposition lute, 2x8' and 1x4' with later pedal-operated buff (‘harp’) stop and pedal-operated machine stop.
Provenance
Harpsichord, by Jacob Kirckman, 1762. Acquired by Major George Henry Benton Fletcher (1866-1944) between 1930 and 1937, and described in the Old Devonshire House catalogue 1938 and in Amateur Musician 1939. Transferred to the National Trust in February 1938.
Marks and inscriptions
JACOBUS KIRCKMAN LONDONI FECIT 1762
Makers and roles
Jacob Kirkman (1710 - 1792), musical instrument maker