condensed discuss document expanded export feedback print share remove reset document_white enquire_white export_white report_white
discuss document export feedback print share gallery-landscape xml

harpsichord

human history
  • Kupu whakaahua

    harpsichord, single manual, in case with brass fittings on trestle stand. Keys: thirty-six ivory naturals, 24 ebony sharps, solid mahogany lid, white wood stringing.

    Front flap divided at key well, inside brass lock. Exterior four metal hinges/doubled are decorative, then divided at jackrail four metal hinges/doubled.

    Rim near lid is separating treble hinge rhs cut to allow operation of the swell. Three decorative hinges in the form of straps, large, medium and small.

    Pine plank underside, fords run length ways up to bell rail and planks run across from belly rail to keyboard usual arrangement. Stand one pedal-swell pedal stand is probably not original mouldings probably machined

    Stand is bolted together but can separate into five parts, including pedal, joined with wing nuts "1/4"

    1 single manual harpsichord

    Jacob Kirckman and Abraham Kirckman, London, England, 1781

    mahogany, oak, burr walnut, tulipwood, brass, ivory, ebony, 940 x 970 x 2220 mm

    labelled ‘Jacobus et Abraham Kirckman Londini Fecerunt 1781’

    1998.60.2 Castle 2

    Ronald Castle recalled that the Kirckman harpsichord was ‘the piece that got the collection going’.

    It was purchased directly from J George Morley, the harp, spinet and piano makers of London in October 1939.

    When it arrived in New Zealand in 1940, Ronald Castle was able to declare it ‘the first original harpsichord to come to New Zealand.’

    The Kirckman name became well known as the leading family of harpsichord and piano makers founded in London by Jacob Kirckman (1710 - 1792). His nephew Abraham Kirckman (-1737 - 1794) joined him in the business.

    Jacob Kirckman’s business gained a reputation for constructing excellent harpsichords. He invented the ‘Nag’s Head Swell’ device - a shutter that rises and falls when operated by the foot pedal. This was developed to give the harpsichord the similar effect of an organ swell. This harpsichord features the swell device.

  • Wāhi
  • Accession Number
    1998.60.2
  • Rā Tāpiringa
    10 Oct 1998
  • Tohu Tuakiri Kē

    2 (Castle)

    Castle 224 (Number on object)

    13956 (Asset Register)

  • Wāhanga

Mātātuhi me ngā tuhinga

Mātātuhi

Taonga

E hangaia tonutia ana te kohinga tuihono a Tāmaki Paenga Hira; tāpirihia ai ngā whakahoutanga me ngā pūkete i ia wiki. I ētahi wā, kāore anō kia whakaūhia ngā pūkete e ngā kaimahi o Te Whare Taonga, tēnā pea he hapa kei roto i ngā kōrero.

The gift of curiosity

With unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events, a Museum Membership is the gift that keeps on giving year-round.

SEE OPTIONS FROM $60

The gift of curiosity