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
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The Gaelic Harp: History, Myth and Folklore
Mike Baldwin
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The Gaelic Harp: History, Myth and Folklore offers a comprehensive exploration of the Gaelic harp, tracing its evolution across centuries of Irish history and culture. Beginning with its mythological origins among the Tuatha Dé Danann, it delves into the harp's symbolic significance, its craftsmanship, and its role in folklore and storytelling. The narrative examines how the harp has been depicted in art, illuminated manuscripts, and archaeological finds, providing readers with a vivid picture of its historical and cultural context .
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The book investigates the lives of the harpers who played these instruments, from the medieval courts of Irish nobility to the itinerant musicians of later centuries. Chapters explore the oppression faced by Irish culture under colonial rule and the resilience of the harp as a symbol of resistance and identity. Readers will discover tales of legendary harpers, such as Turlough O’Carolan, and learn about the harp’s role in Irish music, including its distinctive metallic sound and its connection to poetic traditions.
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Richly illustrated and meticulously researched, this work blends archaeology, organology, and folklore to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Gaelic harp as a cornerstone of Irish heritage.
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Coming soon