Octave Spinet
1950 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This octave spinet was made in 1950 by Robert Goble (1903-1994), one of Britain's leading harpsichord builders since the late 1940s. Goble was a pupil of Arnold Dolmetsch (1858-1940), the great pioneer of the early music revival from about 1890, and he established his own business in 1937. Goble called these small instruments 'Octavinas' and fitted them with a range of four octaves. They were inscribed by his wife, Elizabeth (1907-1981), a professional harpsichord player and accomplished calligrapher.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Yew case and spruce soundboard, with yew wrest plank and oak bridge; gilt inscription |
| Brief description | 1950, British, Robert Goble |
| Physical description | Octave spinnet in a yew case, enscribed 'ROBERT GOBLE ANNO MCML' |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Limited edition |
| Marks and inscriptions |
|
| Gallery label | OCTAVE SPINET, English, 1950. Inscribed ROBERT GOBLE ANNO MCML on the nameboard and signed Robert Goble, 1950. on the soundboard. Yew Case, ebony naturals and boxwood accidentals. The keyboard has a range of four octaves, C - c3.
Museum No, W10 - 1994.
Keyboard Catalogue No.: 62.
Robert Goble (1903 - 1994) studied under Arnold Dolmetsch (1858 - 1940) and worked at his Haslemere workshop until 1937 when he established his own business. In 1947, Goble moved from Haslemere, Surrey, to Headington, Oxford and specialised in making keyboard instruments. This octave spinet was inscribed by his wife, Elizabeth Goble (1907 - 1981), a leading performer of earely music and accomplished calligrapher. She was descended from John Chrales Robinson, first Superintendent of Art at the South Kensongton (now Victoria & Albert) Museum. Both Robert and Elizabeth Gole were at the forefront of the Post-War Early Music Revival.
Given to the Museum by Prof. P.J.Lawther, CBE, MB. Dsc, FRCP, FFOM.(pre September 2000) |
| Credit line | Given by Prof. P. J. Lawther CBE |
| Summary | This octave spinet was made in 1950 by Robert Goble (1903-1994), one of Britain's leading harpsichord builders since the late 1940s. Goble was a pupil of Arnold Dolmetsch (1858-1940), the great pioneer of the early music revival from about 1890, and he established his own business in 1937. Goble called these small instruments 'Octavinas' and fitted them with a range of four octaves. They were inscribed by his wife, Elizabeth (1907-1981), a professional harpsichord player and accomplished calligrapher. |
| Other number | 41 - serial number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.10-1994 |
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| Record created | May 16, 2001 |
| Record URL |
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