Flute
about 1790 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Richard Potter (1728 - 1806) was the founder of an important London firm of flute-makers, which lasted from about 1745 until 1848. He signed himself 'Potter Senior'. During the 18th century, flutes were most often made of boxwood with ivory joints, and fitted with a silver key to cover the bottom hole. This instrument is also fitted with a sliding tuning barrel, which makes it easier to alter the pitch.
This flute is currently on loan to the Science Museum.
This flute is currently on loan to the Science Museum.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | turned and bored boxwood flute joints; turned ivory mounts; silver key |
| Brief description | Flute, boxwood with ivory mounts and a silver key, by Richard Potter, English, about 1790. |
| Physical description | "Boxwood, in five joints including a tuning barrel which slides in the head joint. Ivory mounts and one square silver key, the underside is stamped IH (probably John Hale, a key maker)." Anthony Baines, Catalogue of Musical Instruments in the Victoria and Albert Museum - Part II: Non-keyboard instruments (London, 1998), p. 92. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | FLUTE, English, by Richard Potter, stamped Potter Senior, about 1790. Five boxwood joints, incuding a tuning barrel, ivory mounts and a silver key.
Museum No.: 694 1883
Non Keyboard Catalogue No.: 22/2
Richard Potter (1728 1806) made wind instruments in London between about 1745 and about 1800. He patented an improved flute, with conical plug keys of pewter.(pre September 2000) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed to the Museum by N.S.Heineker, Esq. |
| Object history | This instrument was bequeathed to the Museum by N.S.Heineker, Esq. |
| Summary | Richard Potter (1728 - 1806) was the founder of an important London firm of flute-makers, which lasted from about 1745 until 1848. He signed himself 'Potter Senior'. During the 18th century, flutes were most often made of boxwood with ivory joints, and fitted with a silver key to cover the bottom hole. This instrument is also fitted with a sliding tuning barrel, which makes it easier to alter the pitch. This flute is currently on loan to the Science Museum. |
| Bibliographic reference | Anthony Baines: Catalogue of Musical Instruments in the Victoria and Albert Museum - Part II: Non-keyboard instruments. (London, 1998), p. 92 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 694-1883 |
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| Record created | May 16, 2001 |
| Record URL |
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