On a visit to the flute maker Chris Wilkes last week, I had the great pleasure of playing a number of 19th Century flutes. Three Rudall and Rose including one in Boxwood and Ivory, the property of Mr. Andrew Kirby. A beautiful instrument with a warm and mellow tone. I also played an exquisite flute by ‘Blackman, Blackfriars St, London’. This flute had recently been restored by Chris Wilkes and had it’s embouchure hole drilled out and fitted with an ivory insert. It had wide bands of silver with decorative turning and each hole had silver inserts. A really stunning looking instrument. Has anyone on the forum got a similar instrument? If so, what does it play like? It is my first encounter with this maker.
I also visited Mr.Kirby and had honour of playing up to thirty flutes in his collection. The only known Rudall and Rose in F, Two beautiful flutes by Prowse, two Siccamas, and a George and Manby, the only other one that I have played apart from my own. It was a fantastic opportunity to try out so many flutes at one time.
Wooooow. Sounds like me at the tractor pull last weekend! (kidding)(well, sort of) Seriously, though – congratulations. That sounds incredible, like a fantasy come true. Thank you for the post! Finally, how is Mr. Kirby doing? Well, I hope.
Mr. Kirby was very kind to me and made me feel welcome as soon as I arrived. His health is not the best but he did point out that some people in the flute playing fraternity had claimed that he was terminally ill, which is thankfully not the case. He really seems to enjoy restoring instruments and of course talking about them etc. He also repairs violins and makes bows.
What good news. (I heard the terminally ill story myself and have been worried about him.)
So I shall remain worried about him, but not terminally.
Thank you for the update!
I’d forgotten about the violin bows. Very good to know; thanks for the reminder.
I wish there was a way to see his collection without having to renew my passport. Although I’d be afraid I’d drop one of his flutes – probably the most valuable, of course! – because I’d be a nervous wreck handling such works of art.
Once more, thank you, Ciaran. That’s terrific to hear he’s still at it.
Ciaran, you’re so lucky. doesn’t Andrew live in a beautiful palace like place?
how is Chris’s shop? does he live in a rural place, with the shop being on the property?
did you take any pictures? these are two people I really want to meet and visit with.
I spoke to Andrew last night (& he was in great form as we discussed the merits of supermarket Whisky & deisel - which may, in fact, be interchangeable!)
He told me of Ciaran’s visit & spoke highly of his ability to get a good sound out of all his flutes. When I visited him last year I was overwhelmed by his remarkable collection and hid as many of them as possible under my jacket before my conscience got the better of me and I handed them back!
It is a great shame that Andrew can no longer contribute to this board but our host has made his feelings clear.
Eilam, about the “beautiful palace like place” - well, how can I put this, the building is very striking and of some architectural merit. This interior is…idiosyncratic - in a wonderful way mind you! I think everyone should have a dismantled Triumph motorcycle in their hall - it adds a certain ambience to the place.
Chris’s place is great - almost exactly as you might picture it. I had a great time when I visited - he is a genuinely nice guy making the most wonderful instruments you can imagine. I played a boxwood Pratten that he was considering using for firewood! - I would have killed for it. (I understand it is now destined for the grubby paws of Mr Kirby - the swine!)
Ciaran, I’m glad you enjoyed your visit, there cannot be many finer collections of flutes around.
Hey, biodiesel’s the coming thing over here! All the rural farm co-ops are getting it … especially the ones in Nelson County, which is where Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Heaven Hill, and Four Roses (supermarket whisky!) bourbon are made.
Hmmm. Corn-based fuel for tractors, corn-based fuel for actors and other folk. Correlation?
Graham thanks.
yes, Andrew told me of that Pratten, I think it’s supposed to go to Chris’s daughter.
you are totally right about Andrew, enjoying Chris’s work on our account
i too wish we could hear from Andrew on the board.
yours, e.
catski, don’t wish politicians could run there cars on empty promises, no?
It’s a pretty humble flute; 1-key flutes by this time were for learners or those too impoverished to buy a “real flute”. None-the-less, it’s a solidly made and responsive player.
