THE MUSICIAN 'There were musical evenings too... the 1800 pianoforte at Avenue House would be accompaniment for my grandfather's singing. This provided him with an excuse to don 18th century costume, silk frock coat, silk stockings, wig and buckled shoes and suddenly surprise his guests in the candle-lit drawing-room. When in good voice, he could warble his way quite happily through any number of Dibdin's sea songs and knew most of the refrains from Gay's Beggar's Opera, always a great favourite with him. Guests did not escape these costume parties, the ladies were supplied with original gowns and patches, the men with waistcoats and breeches and given passages to read from Defoe or Swift. His enthusiasm for this was never satisfied and as each newly attired friend re-entered the room, he would take a candle to them, stepping back in admiration and exclaiming 'Wonderful - a Lely' or My dear lady - pure Gainsborough!' When exhausted by his own talk, he would slip onto the piano-stool and produce excellent if simple sounds from the instrument. The evening often ended with a churchwarden pipe smoking session, everybody but he feeling frightfully sick as a result of it!' S. Houfe, The Professor

A PAIR OF PRINTED CARD AND EBONY-MOUNTED REVOLVING MUSICAL GUIDES

BY M. WILLIAMSON, CIRCA 1800

Details

A PAIR OF PRINTED CARD AND EBONY-MOUNTED REVOLVING MUSICAL GUIDES
BY M. WILLIAMSON, CIRCA 1800
One with inscription 'Dedicated by permission to Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales by M.Williamson' the other 'old by Rt. Birchall, 133, New Bond Street. Price 10.6...Entd. At Sta.Hall.'
16½ in. (42 cm.) long (2)

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Lot Essay

These rare musical guides in the form of hand screens are composed of revolving discs of printed card. They show information relating to musical instruction and would have performed the dual purpose of a teaching aid and crib-sheet for Regency young ladies receiving musical instruction.

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