Harpsichord
Jacob Kirkman (1710 - 1792)
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
1752
Materials
ivory, ebony, maplewood, satinwood, walnut and boxwood
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Fenton House, London
NT 1448925
Summary
Harpsichord, by Jacob Kirckman (1710-92), Lodnon, 1752. A single-manual harpsichord inscribed on the fascia batten Jacob Kirckman Fecit Londini 1752, accompanied by a 19th century transfer label on the fascia proper reading Restored by Dyson & Sons London & Windsor. The case exterior re-veneered in the ‘Sheraton revival’ style c1890-1910 and resting on a later stand (a post-WWII stand). The original soundboard inset with Kirckman’s ‘first design’ gilt lead rose. Furnished with one lid prop-stick and a detachable ‘fallboard’. Keyboard compass FF (less FF#) – f3, disposition 2x8'.
Provenance
Harpsichord, Jacob Kirckman, 1752. In possession of the Kirkman firm in 1885, when shown at the International Inventions exhibition. Sold through Puttick & Simpson auction house in 1929 to a buyer called Bolton. Acquired by a Read Re Dyson at an unknown date and then purchased by Major George Henry Benton Fletcher (1866-1944) for £30 on 24 Jan 1935 through the Puttick & Simpson auction house. Transferred to the National Trust in February 1938.
Marks and inscriptions
JACOBUS KIRCKMAN FECIT LONINII 1752
Makers and roles
Jacob Kirkman (1710 - 1792), musical instrument maker