The Oak House, High Street, Northleach, Gloucestershire, England, Tel: +44 01451860181

Street View of Keith Hardings World of Mechanical Music | Map of Keith Hardings World of Mechanical Music location

Welcome to The World of Mechanical Music, a special place in the heart of England noted for traditional standards of British craftsmanship and hospitality. Here, in a period setting in the beautiful Cotswolds, is a unique collection of self-playing musical instruments presented as a live entertainment. Here are also what has been described as “the best gift shop in the Cotswolds”, and the world famous restoration workshops, which serve discerning collectors from all over the world. Magic Musicals Shop: Our "Magic Musicals" gift shop has been described as "the best gift shop in the Cotswolds", so if you want a souvenir of your visit, or that special present for a loved one, we can help you. We have perhaps the finest selection of musicals and automata Antique and Modern to be found anywhere, and much more, ranging in price from a few pence to a many pounds... Take a trip down memory lane, and enjoy a feast of nostalgia. Museum: The World of Mechanical Music is a living museum of the extraordinary variety of self-playing musical instruments and automata which were the pride and joy of our Great Grandparents, and the only kind of "canned" musical entertainment available in the home before regular broadcasting started up in 1924. All the instruments are maintained in the most perfect possible order in our world-famous workshops on the premises, and introduced and played by our well informed guides in the form of a live entertainment. Listen to Grieg, Paderewsky, Rachmaninov and Gerschwin giving concert performances of their own compositions, 'live" on our reproducing pianos, in the intimacy of our Victorian music room. Savour the decadence of "Cabaret" with a performance on our 1920s Berlin café piano. Hear the latest in "hi-fi" from the 1930s on our enormous E.M.G. handmade gramophone. Many of our visitors come again and again, and bring their friends, as there is always some new discovery to be made. Visiting exhibits have included two magnificent organ clocks with automata made by George pike of London in the eighteenth century, one from Kensington Palace and another formerly the property of Catherine the Great, both of which were sent to us for rebuilding in our workshops. This spring, we have added an amazing Harper Electric Piano with a xylophone. The most important part of the show is you, our honoured guest. All are welcome, of any age. School parties and special tours can be arranged. All areas are accessible to wheelchairs, and there are special facilities for people with disabilities. We shall look forward to your visit. ....