Ken Hopkins (1948-2024), of Comber, County Down, Northern Ireland, owned what was probably the world’s largest private collection of accordions. His collection included all types, makes and models of accordions, with everything from the early 19th Century flutinas right up to the digital accordions of today, and just about everything else in between!

Ken exhibited some of his collection at accordion festivals many times, where he also performed on his instruments, including the defunct 1940s Uniform keyboard. He sold, tuned and repaired accordions, and had a great knowledge of the many models he owned. He passed away on November 29th, 2024, and was widely mourned by accordionists and enthusiasts across Ireland, Britain and Europe.

The collection, which includes a wide variety of piano and button accordions plus flutinas, melodeons, concertinas, bandoneons, and other instruments (e.g. violins, banjos, guitars, mandolins, brass, keyboard, etc), books, LPs, CDs, and accessories, is coming up for sale by internet auction.

Everything has been itemised, valued and photographed for display on the auction link, which can be found on the Ross’s Auctioneers & Valuers of Belfast website www.rosss.com. The lots can be viewed at Ross’s premises as well as online via the website.

The auction takes place from July 23rd to August 6th.