This is part of a mechanical (player) piano type instrument called an Orchestrion. This particular one was sized for domestic use. It was built in 1899. It's in the middle of being refurbished at the moment and is not currently in use. You can see the whole instrument here: http://365project.org/dulciknit/on-the-day-extr/2011-10-07
Lester and I went to the Musical Museum at Kew today. We had a great time. We had the one hour guided tour of the mechanical instruments all to ourselves and it was fascinating. If you're ever in the area (and it's almost next door to Kew Bridge Steam Museum, also worth a look in - at weekends, when the machines are in steam) I can thoroughly recommend a visit.
Critique welcome. Veteran 365er, 2011 vintage. Only posting occasionally and irregularly now.
I'm an abstract photography enthusiast but not exclusively so.
Born in the...
I love these mechanical instruments. We have visited Kew several times but didnot know about these museums. We have added them to our list of 'must visit' Thanks for the info.
Looks fascinating. We went to a musical museum in Devon or Dorset once, years ago. The bloke running it was fairly old and I often wondered what happened to his stuff when it closed.
October 14th, 2011
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