The mandolin in Britain, 1750-1800

When researching my 1989 book (with James Tyler) The early mandolin, I found scant evidence of the mandolin's popularity in 18th-century Britain, but further research over almost 30 years now enables me substantially to revise that picture. This article demonstrates that, from 1750 onwards, the instrument was frequently played in London and Bath (where international virtuosos such as Gervasio, Leoné, Riggieri, Merchi and Nonnini regularly performed and taught), in opera houses, concert halls and theatrical productions, but also in circuses and sideshows. Mandolins were sold and played in many provincial cities, and were especially popular in Edinburgh, where concert master Girolamo Stabilini frequently performed his 'Favourite Variations on the Mandolino' in St Cecilia's Hall. I have recently located a copy of this (previously unknown) music. Also discussed are the mandolin's many appearances in late 18th-century epistolary novels, where it often has strong erotic connotations, and in portraits of the female aristocracy. © The Author(s) 2018.