Double-manual harpsichord

Francis Coston

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Instrument

Harpsichord/Harpsichords/Keyboard/Musical Instrument ; Harpsichord

Instrument Family

Keyboard

Maker

Francis Coston

Place Made

London ; Europe ; England ; United Kingdom

Date Made

Circa 1725

Description

Technical description: Double-manual English harpsichord. Compass 56 notes, G₁,A₁ - D₆,E₆ [GG,AA - d''',e''']. Three registers, 2 × 8-ft, 1 × 4-ft; the upper manual 8-ft has dogleg jacks to lower manual. Case sides are applied to the baseboard in an Italianate fashion. Gauge markings on the nuts probably date from 1761. String lengths (plucking points): E₆ 139 (89); C₆ 163 (95); F₅ 238 (109); C₅ 314 (120); F₄ 459 (133); C₄ 603 (147); F₃ 858 (159); C₃ 1063 (168); F₂ 1346 (182); C₂ 1551 (191); G₁ 1688 (199). Signature/Marks: Written on the near side of the jackrail "Franciscus Coston Londini Fecit". "The first Unison speaks to the treble. The octave in the middle speaks to the base" written with ligature `th's and long `s's on the back of the nameboard. Decoration: The case, lid, keywell, soundwell and jackrail are all veneered in plain walnut with ash herringbone stringing. The bottom edge of the case is surrounded by a composite ogee moulding of walnut over a core of pine. The embossed hinges and hardware were originally gilded, and turned gilt brass stop knobs are attached to levers of blued iron ornamented with a gilt foliate decoration. Unusually for an English harpsichord the soundboard is lavishly painted with birds, flowers and fruit. Technical drawing available from The Friends of St Cecilia's. Please see http://www.stceciliasfriends.org.uk/

Other Information

Specific usage history: on loan to the University 1987-1991.

Notes

G. Grant O'Brien, 1994; Sheila Barnes, 2007.

Measurements

2400.

Provenance

Given to Mrs Hamilton Steedman in 1980; bought by her father, the Reverend John Hamilton, in 1926 for his wife. ; Purchased with assistance from the Friends of St Cecilia's Hall, the National Fund for Acquisitions, and the National Art-Collections Fund, 1991.

Collection

MIMEd

Accession Number

4320

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