Musical Instruments Research at Blythe House Archives

In the 16th century, Carl Engel, a notable musical instrument collector starts building a relationship with the V&A Museum by lending instruments from all over the world to be showcased and seen by visitors in the museum.

The museum was and is interested in musical instruments, not because of their function, but because of the craftwork, design, and history behind them. They are currently classified as furniture.

In Blythe House, most of the objects documented were from the 16th century and were classified alongside 16th century decor, furniture, and other objects such as candelabra.