Duggleby Stephenson is honoured to present the auction of nine remarkable keyboard instruments from the personal collection of Alan Cuckston – acclaimed English musician, recitalist, and one of the country’s leading authorities on historic keyboard music and performance.
A distinguished harpsichordist, organist, pianist and broadcaster, Alan Cuckston’s career spanned several decades and continents. He studied under Fanny Waterman and Thurston Dart, recorded extensively for the BBC, and gave concerts throughout Europe and North America. His deep commitment to early music and historically informed performance is reflected in this authentic and carefully curated collection, assembled over many years with expert knowledge, discernment, and artistic sensitivity.
Among the instruments offered is a 1742 chamber organ by Johannes Schnetzler (John Snetzler), thought to be the oldest surviving example of its kind in Great Britain, and possibly once owned by Handel. Also included is a Viennese grand fortepiano by Joseph Böhm, dating from around 1820, a rare early instrument of a type known to have been used by Beethoven during his later compositions. The collection also features an 1820 John Broadwood grand piano – the same model as the instrument gifted to Beethoven by Thomas Broadwood in 1818 – as well as an 1828 Broadwood grand, a late 18th-century chamber organ by Thomas Elliot, two finely made 20th-century harpsichords by John Rooks, and a richly detailed William IV upright piano.
This genuine and historically significant group of instruments represents not only a musician’s personal legacy but a meaningful contribution to the appreciation and preservation of early keyboard craftsmanship. Several of the instruments can be seen and heard in recordings of Alan Cuckston’s performances, still available online.
Given the intricate nature of these historic instruments, specialist dismantling and transport advice and support will be available if required, to assist successful buyers with safe removal and onward handling.