Virginal
Robert Hatley
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
1664
Materials
ebony, oak, ivory, gilt and tempera
Order this imageCollection
Fenton House, London
NT 1448928
Caption
This instrument is the only surviving example of Robert Hatley’s work. It is believed to have survived the Great Fire of London in 1666, when Samuel Pepys wrote "I observed that hardly one lighter or boat in three that has the goods of a house in, but there was a pair of virginals in it."
Summary
Virginals by Robert Hatley, England, 1664. A rectangular virginals inscribed on the jack rail Roberttus Hatley Londini Fecit 1664. The case of oak with painted and applied paper decoration to interior, featuring two drawers for music. Resting on a reproduction oak stand (after Thomas White, 1640s) by Christopher Nobbs and provided en suite with an oak joint stool. The original painted soundboard inset with two decorative wood and parchment roses. The instrument retains its original keyboard compass of FF (less FF#) – c''', but the key levers are later, by Arnold Dolmetsch, possibly incorporating elements of the originals.
Provenance
Virginals, by Robert Hatley, 1664. Sold by auction at Puttick & Simpson by a Mrs Northcote on 2 Nov 1933 to Major George Henry Benton Fletcher (1866-1944) for £58. Described in the Old Devonshire House catalogue 1938 and in Amateur Musician 1939. Transferred to the National Trust in February 1938.
Marks and inscriptions
ROBERTUS HATLEY LONDINI FECIT 1664 (on jackrail)
Makers and roles
Robert Hatley, musical instrument maker