Former history student donates custom-built harpsichord to Oriel College

London gallery owner Patrick Matthiesen has donated a new harpsichord to Oriel College.

The Baroque instrument is custom-built by Genoa-based harpsichord builder Mario del Grosso.

It is a copy of a famous Flemish harpsichord originally made by Johannes Ruckers in 1638, del Grosso explained.

Matthiesen and del Grosso visited Oriel in March to meet the Director of Music, Dr David Maw, and to see the harpsichord at its current location in the Senior Library.

“We’re very grateful for the generosity and vision of Patrick Matthiesen and the artistry of Mario del Grosso,” Maw said.

“Oriel already has pianos and an organ. The harpsichord is the other important keyboard instrument in European musical history.

“The new instrument will allow our students to discover the full range of historical keyboard music for the first time.”

During 2026 the Senior Library is being used as an exhibition and event venue, with regular performances by students and visiting musicians.

Matthiesen has previously commissioned an English double harpsichord from del Grosso for London’s National Gallery.

He matriculated at Oriel College in 1962 and read History.

Matthiesen had the idea to commission a harpsichord for Oriel when he met with Development Director Marco Zhang at the College.

He recalled: “I said, ‘Well, you don’t have a harpsichord. Maybe you should have one. What do you think about that idea?

“‘Would you be interested in early and Baroque music rather than Romantic music?’”

Matthiesen then discussed with the College whether an Italian Grimaldi, English or Flemish harpsichord would be most appropriate.

The Flemish harpsichord was chosen because of its versatility.