Jacob Kirkman And His Son Or Successor (Name Not Specified)

Place: Bischweiler

Born: 1710

Death: 1792

Biography:

A.& J.Kirckman, also known as Jacob Kirkman and his son or successor (name not specified), were English harpsichord makers of Alsatian origin. They were active from the 1750s until the late 1800s. Jacob Kirkman was born on March 4, 1710, in Bischweiler, Alsace [now Bischwiller, France]. He trained as a cabinetmaker and went to England in the early 1730s to work for an obscure immigrant Flemish harpsichord maker in London. He eventually became harpsichord maker to the queen (1763) and gained a wide reputation for his high-quality instruments. The Kirkman family produced three different types of harpsichords, including Harpsichord 1 Manual – 8′- 8′, Harpsichord 1 Manual – 8′- 8′ – 4′, and Harpsichord 2 Manuals – 8′- 8′ – 4′ and lute stop. Their instruments were known for their fine inlaid work and extraordinary quality and craftsmanship.