Queen Mary Harp

Commissioned by Sir Ian Malcolm of Portalloch, this harp is a copy of the 15th century Queen Mary harp in the National Museums of Scotland collection. It was made by the distinguished stringed instrument maker, James William Briggs, who was best known for his violin making. This was an unusual commission for Briggs. Apart from this instrument, he is not known to have any other harps. A decorative motif appears on the Queen Mary harp and the Abbot MacKinnon cross of Iona Abbey. The motif belongs to the 'Iona School' of West Highland carvers. Interestingly, the other two parts of the harp frame (the soundbox and neck) have an entirely different scheme, with the exception of a small area at the top end of the soundbox.