Harp Making in
Late-Georgian London
At the end of the eighteenth century, after the French Revolution, the centre of pedal-harp making moved from Paris to London. There, building on the work of its Bavarian originators and Parisian developers, mainly immigrant makers elevated the instrument to new musical, technical, and decorative heights, and placed it in the hands and salons of the British upper classes and aristocracy. Until recently, the story of harp making in England has been dominated by the Erard family who built about 7,000 of an estimated 15,000 harps made in London during the nineteenth century; some 20 other makers have been all but forgotten.
This book, the story of harp making in late-Georgian England, assesses the role and consumption of the harp in society whilst describing its decorative and technical development. Forgotten makers and their innovations are identified. Through the lens of newly discovered documents and the reinterpretation of others, Jacob Erat's manufactories are reconstructed. His working methods, illustrative of those used in the wider industry, are rediscovered, and employees and suppliers are revealed anew.
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ISBN: 9781527265110
428 pages
Price: £60
Harp Making in
Late-Georgian London
At the end of the eighteenth century, after the French Revolution, the centre of pedal-harp making moved from Paris to London. There, building on the work of its Bavarian originators and Parisian developers, mainly immigrant makers elevated the instrument to new musical, technical, and decorative heights, and placed it in the hands and salons of the British upper classes and aristocracy. Until recently, the story of harp making in England has been dominated by the Erard family who built about 7,000 of an estimated 15,000 harps made in London during the nineteenth century; some 20 other makers have been all but forgotten.
This book, the story of harp making in late-Georgian England, assesses the role and consumption of the harp in society whilst describing its decorative and technical development. Forgotten makers and their innovations are identified. Through the lens of newly discovered documents and the reinterpretation of others, Jacob Erat's manufactories are reconstructed. His working methods, illustrative of those used in the wider industry, are rediscovered, and employees and suppliers are revealed anew.
​
ISBN: 9781527265110
428 pages
Price: £60
INSTRUMENTAL
featuring
Sam Edelston
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Unlocking the Hidden Power of the Dulcimer — From Folk Roots to Pop and Rock
What if one of the simplest stringed instruments could revolutionize modern music? Sam Edelston, a master dulcimer player, reveals how this humble instrument is breaking stereotypes—and how you can harness its potential for surprise, innovation, and pure musical joy.Sam’s journey from high school folk festivals to performing at Carnegie Hall showcases an electric evolution: he’s taken the traditional mountain dulcimer into genres from jazz and classical to rock. Learn how this accessible instrument, often dismissed as basic, holds the key to musical experimentation, genre-crossing creativity, and vibrant storytelling. Sam shares raw stories of fusing pop hits like Whole Lotta Love and Lucy in the Sky with the dulcimer’s gentle resonance, turning it into a powerful tool for performance art and genre mashups.
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If you think the dulcimer is just a folk instrument for beginners, think again. This episode invites you to see it through the lens of boundary-breaking creativity that offers endless possibilities—perfect for musicians, music lovers, and anyone eager to challenge musical conventions. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, you’ll come away inspired to pick up an instrument that’s both accessible and astonishingly versatile.