Aeolian harp.

Alfred Hays

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Instrument

Aeolian harp

Instrument Family

Strings

Maker

Alfred Hays

Place Made

United Kingdom ; Europe ; London ; England

Date Made

Late 19th or early 20th century

Description

Technical description: Pine oblong box, with two loose bridges carrying 20 strings in two rows of ten (one of the rows through holes in the bridge). Tuning-pins at one end (square-headed), hitchpins at the other end (iron nails). Gut strings. Two sound-holes, diameter 36.5 (hitchpin end), 37.5 (tuning-pin end). Lid fits on the top. 31mm gap for the wind to pass through, width 660. Overall size: 812. Body width: 122. Body depth: 34 (without lid), 72 (including lid). String length: c 636. Painted on lid in gold on black background "ALFRED HAYS / 4 ROYAL EXCHANGE BUILDINGS, E.C.". Decorative features: Varnished a natural colour with stained bands imitating mahogany and black lines (imitating ebony). Painted label in the centre of the lid top, lettering in gold on black background and a gold decorative border. Repair History: One loose bridge missing; all strings broken.

Notes

D.P. Martin, 1996-1997.

Measurements

812.

Provenance

Government allocation to the University, 1991.

Collection

C.H. Brackenbury Memorial Collection ; MIMEd

Accession Number

1560