Dr Jenny Nex explores and examines the roles, lives and stories behind the often overlooked women who were instrumental in the making, selling and collecting of some of the instruments in the collection.

Jenny Nex is Curator of the Musical Instrument Collection and Lecturer in Musical Instruments at the University of Edinburgh, where her research interests focus on the financial and business operations of 18th– and 19th-century instrument makers. Publications include work relating to London-based firms such as Longman & Broderip and to specific types of manufacture, including the gut string making trade, as well as highlighting the roles of women in the instrument business. Following her degree in Music from the University of Edinburgh, Jenny studied singing at the Guildhall School of Music and continues to sing as much as possible, notably in the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus.

Part of the Women’s History Month Celebration Series 2026.

Please note that, due to the temporary closure of St Cecilia’s Hall, this talk will be held at the Centre for Research Collections, located within the University of Edinburgh Main Library, NOT at St Cecilia’s Hall.