Saxophone
1950 - 1967 (manufactured)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Created by Hector Sommaruga (1904-1986) the Grafton is the only synthetic bodied alto saxophone in the world. It was named after Grafton Way near Tottenham Court Road in London, the location of Sommaruga's first premises. The idea to create a saxophone from acrylic was initially based on the cost, working out approximately half the price of a brass equivalent.
The Grafton was patented in 1945, with commercial production running from 1950 to 1967. It was the model played by jazz musicians Ornette Coleman and Charlie Parker, and was also the first musical instrument owned by David Bowie when aged 14.
The Grafton was patented in 1945, with commercial production running from 1950 to 1967. It was the model played by jazz musicians Ornette Coleman and Charlie Parker, and was also the first musical instrument owned by David Bowie when aged 14.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Acrylic and brass |
| Brief description | Grafton alto saxophone designed by Hector Sommaruga, ca. 1955 |
| Physical description | Cream and transparent acrylic alto saxophone with brass components, mouthpiece and keys. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Created by Hector Sommaruga (1904-1986) the Grafton is the only synthetic bodied alto saxophone in the world. It was named after Grafton Way near Tottenham Court Road in London, the location of Sommaruga's first premises. The idea to create a saxophone from acrylic was initially based on the cost, working out approximately half the price of a brass equivalent. The Grafton was patented in 1945, with commercial production running from 1950 to 1967. It was the model played by jazz musicians Ornette Coleman and Charlie Parker, and was also the first musical instrument owned by David Bowie when aged 14. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.431:1, 2-2013 |
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| Record created | December 4, 2012 |
| Record URL |
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