Harpsichord
1776 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
During the 1780s harpsichord makers such as Burkat Shudi (1738–1803) and John Broadwood (1732–1812) faced increasingly stiff competition from grand pianos, on which a much more modulated sound could be achieved. In response, English harpsichord builders made larger instruments and fitted them with devices designed to vary the volume. But by about 1800 the piano had prevailed, largely thanks to the efforts of Broadwood himself. Broadwood had started his career making harpsichords in the workshop of Shudi's father, Burkat Shudi the elder (1702–1773). In 1770 he formed a partnership with his employer, making both types of instruments, which he continued with the younger Shudi from 1773 until 1793. After 1793 Broadwood traded alone, exclusively making pianos.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Mahogany- and satinwood-veneered case of oak, spruce soundboard, oak Venetian swell, ivory naturals with boxwood fronts and bevelled ebony sharps |
| Brief description | Harpsichord on separate stand, of oak veneered with mahogany, cross-banded with satinwood and inlaid with stringing of sycamore, outlining rectangular panels; spruce soundboard. |
| Physical description | Harpsichord on separate stand, of oak veneered with mahogany, cross-banded with satinwood and inlaid with stringing of sycamore, outlining rectangular panels; spruce soundboard;fitted with two manuals and five brass hand stops, Venetian swell (a series of opening and closing oak slats). The hand stops control the lute, 4-foot, harp, and two 8-foot sets of strings. The instrument has a range of sixty-six notes, CC-f3 chromatic.The sharps are ebony and the naturals are covered with ivory. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions | Burkat Shudi et Johannes Boadwood No. 919 Londini Fecerunt 1782. Great Pulteney Street. Golden Square (Inscribed in ink on the nameboard)
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by Charles Hey Laycock |
| Object history | This instrument was presented to the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1943 by Charles Hey Laycock, Esq. |
| Summary | During the 1780s harpsichord makers such as Burkat Shudi (1738–1803) and John Broadwood (1732–1812) faced increasingly stiff competition from grand pianos, on which a much more modulated sound could be achieved. In response, English harpsichord builders made larger instruments and fitted them with devices designed to vary the volume. But by about 1800 the piano had prevailed, largely thanks to the efforts of Broadwood himself. Broadwood had started his career making harpsichords in the workshop of Shudi's father, Burkat Shudi the elder (1702–1773). In 1770 he formed a partnership with his employer, making both types of instruments, which he continued with the younger Shudi from 1773 until 1793. After 1793 Broadwood traded alone, exclusively making pianos. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.13 to B-1943 |
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| Record created | February 15, 2001 |
| Record URL |
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