CCI Newsletter, No. 22, November 1998

Staying in Tune with Conservation

by Bob Barclay, Senior Conservator, Objects

Music has been an important part of human culture throughout history. As the music and the instruments to create it have evolved over time, so too have the techniques to care for them.

When Thomas Mace published Musick's Monument in 1676 he wanted to ensure that those who played the instruments about which he was writing were able also to take care of them. He cautioned his readers to learn how to distinguish good repair work from bad:

And as to the Mechanical Part Thereof, I apprehend, that some will think It Superfluous, and others, a Thing too far below Them to undertake; which I grant may be for many; yet Below None to be able to know how It should be done, or when Well or Ill done; so that Thereby They may not be Gull'd, or Their Instrument Injur'd by some Ignorant, Careless or Knavish Work-man who too often Abuse both It, and the Owners; which He durst not venture to do, but that he presumes They are wholly Ignorant of His Art.

In his ‘Choice Observations about keeping a Lute' he shows a quite perceptive understanding of the problems of climate:

And that you may know how to shelter your Lute, in the worst of Ill weathers, (which is moist) you shall do well, ever when you Lay it by in the day-time, to put It into a bed, that is constantly used, between the Rug and blanket but never between the Sheets, because they may be moist with Sweat, &c.

But should his readers choose this unconventional storage method, he includes a ‘needful caveat':

Therefore, a Bed will secure from all These Inconveniences, and keep your Glew so Hard as Glass, and All safe and sure; only to be excepted, That no Person be so inconsiderate, as to Tumble down upon the Bed whilst the Lute is There; For I have known several Good Lutes spoil'd with such a Trick.