Virginal
(opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab)
(Note: Each icon above opens in a new tab.)
InstrumentVirginal/Harpsichords/Keyboard/Musical Instrument ; Virginal |
Instrument FamilyKeyboard |
MakerStephen Keene |
Place MadeLondon ; Europe ; England ; United Kingdom |
Date Made1668 |
DescriptionTechnical description: Rectangular English virginal with coffered lid. Compass 57 notes, F₁,G₁ - D₆ [FF,GG - d''']. One set of 8-ft strings. Unusually, the instrument has four decorative parchment roses. Three parchment roses in main soundboard, which is painted, and one behind the wrestpins.The natural keys are of snakewood with gilt embossed fronts; the accidentals of ivory.External coffer shaped case has oak mouldings and iron strap-hinges. Oak stand is modern. String lengths (plucking points): D₆ 132 (52), C₆ 151« (54), F₅ 215 (47), C₅ 287 (61), F₄ 395 (60), C₄ 535 (71), F₃ 731 (69), C₃ 913 (85), F₂ 1142 (90), C₂ 1361 (121), F₁ 1624 (153). Signature/Marks: Written in ink on the near edge of the jack-rail "Stephanus Keene Londini Fecit 1668". Decoration: Inside the lid there is a painting in tempera of a park or lake-side scene, there is a similar but damaged scene inside the keywell flap. The soundboard has paintings of flowers and birds. Embossed gilt papers decorate the front panels and line the inside of the case. Studding is of ivory or bone. Repair History: Repaired by Leslie Ward, 1950; later work by John Barnes; bridge repaired by Jonathan Santa Maria, 2013. Technical drawing available from the Friends of St Cecilia's Hall. Please see http://www.stceciliasfriends.org.uk/ |
NotesSheila Barnes, 2007. |
Measurements1830. |
ProvenancePurchased by Raymond Russell in 1949; ex- H.C. Moffat, Goodrich Court, Ross-on-Wye. ; Gift of Mrs Gilbert Russell, 1964. |
CollectionMIMEd ; Raymond Russell Collection |
Accession Number4308 |