Harp
Alexander Barry
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
1811 - 1820
Materials
wood, metal, composition, leather, paint
Measurements
1730 x 880 x 550 mm
Place of origin
Soho
Order this imageCollection
Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire
NT 959743
Summary
Single-action pedal harp inscribed on the neckplate Barry, No25 King Street, Soho, London, 298 (Alexander Barry, 1777-c1837). The instrument c1820. Ebonised, gilded, painted and composition ornament incorporating Grecian and chinoiserie motifs. Seven pedals for the action and an eighth pedal for operating the five renforcement (swell) shutters in the rear of the soundbox. Compass EE – e4, 43 strings. The original softwood case for the instrument survives.
Full description
This instrument is likely to have been used by Louisa Winn (1800-1861), younger sister of Charles Winn (1795-1874), 19th century owner of Nostell. Correspondance records that she learned to play while at school in Bath and later requested "real Roman harp strings" from her brother while he was on Grand Tour in Italy in 1816.
Marks and inscriptions
298 (maker's mark)
Makers and roles
Alexander Barry, manufacturer