Aeolian Harp.

T. Bates & Son

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Instrument

Aeolian harp

Instrument Family

Strings

Maker

T. Bates & Son

Place Made

United Kingdom ; Europe ; London ; England

Date Made

Late 19th or early 20th century

Description

Technical description: Two similar wooden boxes with sloping soundboards, assembled with one rotated 180º lengthwise so that a wedge-shaped opening is created for the wind; each with 2 loose bridges, carrying 20 strings in two rows of ten. One row of strings goes through holes in bridge. Tuning-pins at one end (square-headed), hitchpins at the other end (iron nails). Gut strings. Two sound-holes, diameter 41.5, in each soundboard.54mm gap for the wind to pass through, width 652. Overall size: 826. Body width: 120. Body depth: 130. String length: c 646. Painted on each box in gold on black background "T.C. Bates and Son, / Manufacturers / 6, LUDGATE HILL, LONDON." Decorative features: Varnished a natural colour with stained bands imitating mahogany and black lines (imitating ebony). Painted label in the centre of each box, lettering in gold on black background. Repair History: One of the four bridges missing; cracks in soundboards and lids. Gut strings, all but two broken.

Notes

D.P. Martin, 22.12.97.

Measurements

826.

Provenance

ex- J.J.K. Rhodes and W. Thomas collection. ; Gift of the executors of William Thomas.

Collection

MIMEd

Accession Number

3774