A Regency ebonized and gilt gesso harp by Sebastien Erard.
attributed to Sebastien Erard (1752 - 1831)
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
circa 1815
Materials
Beech, Lime, Spruce, Gilding, Brass, Steel, Gut, Copper, Silk cotton
Measurements
1685 x 990 x 420 mm
Collection
Lacock, Wiltshire
NT 1518458.5
Summary
A Regency ebonized and gilt gesso harp by Sebastien Erard. The reeded gilt column has a classical maiden decorated capital. Double - action pedal harp with 43 strings and Erard's fourchette action controlled by seven pedals. No action on the highest note. The eighth pedal and the swell shutters it controlled have been removed. Soundboard a modern replacement edged with mahogany, with some additional reinforcement in the bass on the underside. Back of sound box, of laminated limewood ebonized with gilt lines, gilded neo-classical composition and gesso ornament. The capital of the fluted pillar carrying three winged caryatids, their hands linked with wreaths. distinctive decoration on pedal box formed of vertical stripes each side of a helical ribbon ornament on gilt paper. The new soundboard is signed and dated inside in pencil at the bottom 13.10.65. / A CB The mechanism is an early type of double action with external linkages all the way through. In the Erard ledgers this harp was made February 1812 and sold 01.04.1813 to a Messrs. Patrick and Simpson.
Full description
A Regency ebonized and gilt gesso harp by Sebastien Erard. Royal College of Music Ledger number 1436. replaced EE October 2013.
Provenance
Purchased with the family collection of Abbey contents in situ from Mrs. Petronella Burnett-Brown December 2009.
Makers and roles
attributed to Sebastien Erard (1752 - 1831), musical instrument maker