Concertina 1860 - 1864

This Concertina was crafted by Charles Wheatstone in 19th century Britain. The concertina emerged during a period of significant social and economic change, the Industrial Revolution. This portable instrument, with its intricate design and capability for producing complex harmonies, reflects both the technological advancements of the time and the evolving musical tastes of the rising middle class. Consider the instrument's design: the bellows, the arrangement of buttons. These visual codes point to a culture of precision and innovation. How might the concertina have been used to express social identity? Was it a tool for social mobility? Did its music reinforce or challenge existing social norms? To truly understand the significance of this object, we can turn to historical records: sheet music, concert programs, personal letters. These resources will help us to better understand the relationship between art, society, and the ever-changing landscape of human experience.