About the Business |
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Since the mid-1960s, I have been dealing in old and antique musical instruments, reference books and iconography, selling to museums, private collectors and musicians, through my shop and by mail order. The shop is in Hampstead, (North West London), open from Monday to Friday, 10.00am until 6.30pm. Also occasionally, by appointment, at the weekend.
The current stock consists of old musical instruments from all over the world; books, prints, drawings and photographs of musical interest, many more than are listed on the website. Should you be coming to the shop to look at anything specific, it would be advisable for you to telephone (or email) in advance, to confirm that it is still available. As a general rule we try to keep in stock at least one copy of every new book listed.
I have published seven books:
“A Word or Two on the Flute” by W.N.James, a facsimile of the 1826 first edition with a new introduction by Stephen Preston.
“Patents for Inventions, Abridgements of Specifications relating to music and musical instruments, AD.1694-1866” Edited by R.Woodcroft. A facsimile of the 1871 edition, with abridgements of all 740 English patents issued before 1867.
“The French Flute School” now out of print
“Great Flute Makers of France; The Lot & Godfroy Families, 1650-1900” by Tula Giannini. An important and original contribution to the history of the flute, based on primary source material. Over 100 instruments plus 60 archival documents illustrated.
“The New Langwill Index, A Dictionary of Musical Wind-Instrument Makers and Inventors” by William Waterhouse. The indispensable book for information on wind instrument makers and inventors, entries for nearly 6500 makers & inventors active until c.1950. Awarded the C.B.Oldham Prize by IAML (UK) as the best British work of Music Librarianship, Reference or Bibliography for 1993.
“4900 Historical Woodwind Instruments, An inventory of 200 Makers in International Collections” by Phillip T.Young. Information from 700 collections, with bibliography of 150 cited photo sources.
“Talks with Bandsmen” by Algernon S.Rose. A facsimile of the 1895 edition with a new introduction by Arnold Myers. “Talks” was the first book to devote itself to brass band instruments and instrument making. Rose presents his unique view of bands and instruments in the engaging and racy style of his day, scattering the text with fascinating facts and amusing anecdotes.
I am always interested in buying single instruments or collections, please email details, photos and price required.