250 year old English gilded wood harp

This rare 250-year-old English gilded wood harp is an extraordinary survivor of the Georgian era, representing the height of 18th-century musical elegance and decorative artistry. Crafted with a sophisticated fluted column and a sweeping, gracefully curved neck, the instrument is a masterwork of classical design. The capital of the pillar is particularly noteworthy, adorned with intricate hand-carved caryatids and ornate gesso work, all finished in an original gold leaf that has aged to a deep, rich bronze-like lustre.

The harp’s soundboard and body retain their original timber construction, showcasing a beautiful, time-worn patina with layers of historic gilding and honest wear that document its long life in the drawing rooms of the English gentry. The brass plate at the top of the neck bears the engraved maker's marks of the renowned Sebastian Erard, a visionary craftsman who held royal patents and revolutionised harp mechanics in London during the late 1700s. This provenance elevates the piece from a mere musical instrument to a significant historical artefact, embodying a true show of status from the golden age of classical music.