8-Key Flute (Nicholson's Improved)
Details
- Origin: London, England
- Date: 1822-31
- Maker: Clementi & Co.
- Collection: E 57
Description
Wooden flute made of rosewood, silver, string, pads. “C Nicholson’s Improved” written on mouthpiece, “2505/Clementi & Co/London/C Nicholson’s Improved” written on middle joint, “Clementi & Co/London” on top and bottom joints, “7” sticker on bottom joint.
Designed by Thomas Prowse, whose designs opposed the design of Boehm system flutes, hence the title “Nicholson’s Improved”.
For further information, see sections titled “Clementi and the Nicholson Flute” and “On the London Periphery: Clinton, Siccama, Drouet” in Jeremy Sexton’s blog post, Boehm’s Ghost: A Vicarious Portrait of a Flute Maker in London.
