Lute

Six course lute made from multiple woods harvested from the fallen trees in Kew Gardens following the devastating hurricane of October 1987, often referred to as the Great Storm. Neck, pegbox and fingerboard of pagoda wood (Sophora japonica). Capping strip and ribs of osage orange (Maclura pomifera). Flat top of spruce with carved rose. Bone fingerboard edgings, and nut. Heart-shaped tuning pegs made of two contrasting woods. Eight tied gut frets. Gut strings with three silver-wound strings in the bass courses. Carved rose with geometrical and floral pattern of arabesque influence. Bridge with carved flower ends and small six-pointed stars between string courses. This instrument was made for "The Thread of Life" exhibition, which inaugurated the Sir Joseph Banks Building.