A “luck” was a family talisman, usually found in the possession of old landed families of England. The trumpet’s name derives from the family home of the Earl of Dartmouth and his family in the 18th century – Woodsome Hall – a picturesque country seat near Huddersfield, inherited by the Earl in 1730.
The trumpet was probably in the possession of the family since the 17th century. Legend has it that to blow the trumpet on certain specified occasions is to elicit good fortune. It continues to be blown on significant dates such as last year’s Golden Jubilee.
The elegantly shaped instrument, described as a herald’s trumpet, is the second oldest Baroque trumpet known nationally. It bears the mark of the maker, Simon Beale, an instrument maker and Royal Trumpeter; although he served with Cromwell during the Civil War, playing at Cromwell’s Westminster Hall ceremonies, and at Cromwell’s funeral in 1658, he was re-employed
by King Charles II on the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
Although the trumpet is not played often, it is still made available at the Bate Collection to musicians, scholars, and makers who wish to hear it played. A copy of it also exists in the collection, made by David Edwards, so that students could learn to play the baroque trumpet.
The original trumpet is made of an amalgam of tin and brass (bronze), with silver mountings, and the bell is delicately ornamented with cherubs.
The total cost of the acquisition was £17,600. The trumpet is on display at the Bate Collection, Oxford University.
Is this the luckiest blow of all?
A £5600 National Art Collections Fund grant has enabled the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments at Oxford University to keep a handsome Baroque trumpet with a legend attached.
