THE MOBBS KEYBOARD COLLECTION

IT WAS IN 1975 that Kenneth and Mary Mobbs decided they wanted to experience at first hand the sound world of early keyboard instruments. Their collection grew steadily, eventually reaching a total of thirty-nine instruments, the majority in playing order. Five were donated in 1997 to the Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments. Nine are now also on loan to the Royal Academy of Music, London, where they can be viewed in the second-floor gallery of their Museum at no.1 York Gate, Marylebone Rd, London, NW1 5HT.

The instruments range in size from a small square piano by Ganer, c.1785 (4 ft. 7 ins. long), to two rare examples by Clementi (1806) and Broadwood (c.1817) of the tallest models ever made (Upright Grands, each approximately 8 ft. 6 ins. high). The Longman & Broderip 1785 harpsichord is one of only three known full-specification one-manual instruments made by Culliford with both Machine Stop and Venetian Swell, whereby instantaneous changes in registration and volume can be made. The Broadwood 1808 appears to be an unique surviving example of a grand piano with a separate Venetian Swell.

N.B. The Mobbs Keyboard Collection is a PRIVATE keyboard collection. It is open by appointment only with a prior written recommendation from a staff member of a University music department or a public collection of musical instruments, or a well-known musical instrument specialist.