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Harp

Round-backed soundbox veneered with satinwood, with decorative varnished finish, edged on both sides with beech. Five rectangular holes in the soundbox, their original flaps and the pedal which operated them now missing. Cylindrical column decorated with applied gilt beading in the Gothic style, and terminating in a six-sided gilt gesso-covered capital. Five of the facets decorated with applied figures, playing cymbals and tambourines beneath canopies of Gothic tracery. Pierced Gothic canopy all around top of capital, largely a modern replacement (1993) for display purposes. Neck, decorated with painted gold foliage, coach lines and gold beading, springs from sixth facet of capital. Two rows for linked 'fourchettes' along the neck, operated by seven brass pedals. Front and top of pedalbox, supported on four scrolling feet, and base of column all covered with gilt gesso and decorated with applied, scrolling foliage and Gothic architectural motifs. Back of pedalbox decorated with border of gilt gesso acanthus leaves on a punched, gilt gesso ground. Front of pedalbox a modern reconstruction (1993) for display purposes. Plain pine soundboard and beech bridge both later replacements. With matching leather-covered swivel chair, painted music stand, circular string box and rectangular tool box. Compass: 44 strings, EE – f3.

  • Date:
    c.1836–1837
  • Maker:
    I. & I. Erat [Corporation]
  • Collection:
    National Museums Liverpool
  • Inventory number:
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  • Place of production:
    London (Timezone: Europe/London)
  • Culture:
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  • Inscriptions:"J & J Erat, Patent Harp Manufacturers, 23 Berners Street, London, No. 2343" with the coat of arms of William IV, along the neck
  • Hornbostel-Sachs category:
  • Repository:National Museums Liverpool
  • Measurements:Height 1710mm, maximum string length 1475mm