enEnglisch
Square piano T. Haxby
York 1781
range:
5 octaves; 60 keys; F₁ G₁ – f³
3 knee levers (l. to r.): Bassoon; Dampers; Moderator; a.o.
signature:
(orig.): (Medaillon) „Thomas Haxby York 1781“ [ornamental script] (Medaillon)
string:
Brass Iron-wound: F₁ – E
Messing: F – f#
mechanism:
english
Thomas Haxby (bapt. 25.1.1729 York – 31.10. 1796 York) is recorded first as a parish clerk at St Michael-le-Belfry and singer at York Minster. 1756 he opened a music shop in York, Blake Street
und was cactive as organ tuner, repairer, and, from the 1760s as an organ maker. Organs: 1760, 1778 York Minster, 1762
Scarborough St Mary's, 1767 Leeds parish church, 1767-9 Louth parish
church, 1785 York St Michael-le-belfry
1770/71 Patent 977 for a ranks switch for harpsichord by pedal.
He continuously increaed his production of square pianos from c. 24 (1787) to 36 (1790) per year. After his death the firm came into possesion of his brother-in-law and nephew (Tomlinson & Son).
His instrument enjoyed a good reputation, obviously. The instrument indicates that the London popularity of square pianos soon also reached the north of England and established a major source of income for organ makers, just like in many other regions and countries.