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This instrument may once have stood at the centre of an orchestra. In the 18th century harpsichords were surrounded by other instruments during concerts held in churches, theatres and private homes. This harpsichord’s bright, sprightly sound was perfect for playing in an orchestra or as a solo instrument. Thomas Barton was an apprentice of Stephen Keene who made the virginal (4308) in this collection; this harpsichord is Barton’s earliest extant instrument.The keyboard is a replacement based on an original by Barton; the split keys in the bottom octave allow for a few extra notes in the bass (a device known as a broken octave). The plain walnut case is almost Italianate in style including the carved keywell decorations. (Rodger Mirrey Collection). (4312)
Harpsichord
Thomas Barton
London
Europe
England
United Kingdom

Instrument Information

Title

Single-manual harpsichord

Accession Number

4479

Collection

MIMEd; Rodger Mirrey Collection

Date Information

Date Made

1709

Period

18th century; 1700s

Gallery Information

No information recorded.

Maker Information

Maker Name

Thomas Barton

Maker Biography

Thomas Barton was most likely born in December 1684 as he is documented to have been baptized on the 1st of January 1685. He was born in Shoreditch in central London and remained in London for his whole life. He was apprenticed to the eminent virginal, spinet and harpsichord maker Stephen Keene for seven years from 1699. He was a Freeman of the Joiners Company in August 1706. He is known to have worked with Cawton Aston for a short period and to have advertised an upright harpsichord of his own design in 1726.

Made In

City

London

Country

England

Description

Technical Description

Technical description: Single-manual English harpsichord. Compass 54 notes, G₁/B₁ - D₆ [GG/BB - d''']; C♯₁ and D♯₁ split.

Two registers, 2 × 8-ft. String gauge numbers are written in ink beside the tuning pins. String lengths (plucking points).

Decoration: Plain walnut case with pierced and shaped brass strap hinges. Inside of the case is veneered with yew.

Signature/Marks: Inscribed on the wrestplank "THO BARTON / LONDINI FECIT"; on the lowest jacks "TB 1709".

Repair History: The keys and stand are replacements.

Provenance

Bought by donor at Sotheby's 12 Mar 1970; ex- Charles Mould; bought by Charles Mould at auction at Purton, near Swindon, in 1969. ; Gift of Rodger and Lynne Mirrey, 2005.

Classification

Instrument

Harpsichord/Harpsichords/Keyboard/Musical Instrument ; Harpsichord

Instrument Family

Keyboard

Hornbostel Sachs Classification

314.122-6-8 ; musical instrument