This silver flute was made by one of the finest flute makers of the late nineteenth century, William R. Meinell. The flute was made for Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins (May 25, 1849 – June 14, 1908), a blind African American musical prodigy. During the late nineteenth century, Wiggins was one of the most famous pianists and popular performers in the United States. Born enslaved in Columbus, Georgia, his enslaver, James Bethune, discovered Wiggins' musical abilities and began holding public concerts when Wiggins was only 8 years old. His first compositions were published in 1860 when he was only 11.
Flute made for Blind Tom by William R. Meinell with original instrument case
- Description
- A silver flute with two head joints, one silver and one ebony, made for the performer "Blind Tom" by William R. Meinell of New York. The flute is housed in the original instrument case.
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Created by
- William R. Meinell, American
- Used by
- Thomas Greene Wiggins, American, 1849 - 1908
- Date
- 1879-1884
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Medium
- 2014.138.1a-f: silver, ebony, gold, and cork
- 2014.138.2: leather, velvet, wood, and metal
- Type
- flutes (aerophones)
