A modern-day crowdfunding campaign has been launched to restore an early 19th century harp bought by a prominent Angus figure as a gift of love for his musically-talented wife.
The Hospitalfield harp has fallen into disrepair since its beautiful tone drifted through the rooms of the Arbroath house of Patrick Allan Fraser and his wife, Elisabeth, developed by them from the 1840s.
It was made around 1830 by Sebastian Erard, a pioneer in the technology surrounding musical instruments of the age.
Erard’s expertise made the Grecian harp the benchmark in Gothic-style harps which were the first real orchestral instruments and helped bring harp music to the fore during the period.
Hospitalfield programme manager Laura Simpson said: “It took him eight years and many sleepless nights but he eventually made the breakthrough with the design and patented the double action harp in 1810.
“It’s really in disrepair but can be renovated and brought back to life by Pilgrim Harps, who are specialists in this area of work.
“Elisabeth Allan Fraser was very interested in music and also played the harpsichord at Hospitalfield,” added Laura.
The artist and collector couple left the house in trust to support education in the arts, and the legacy which continues to this day has now seen the launch of the crowdfunding drive to secure the £4,800 required to bring the beautiful instrument back to its original glory.
The appeal ends just before noon on Sunday and can be supported here.
Laura added; “It’s an important part of our collection and completes the trio of historic instruments that we have here at Hospitalfield which were used by the Allan Frasers.
“The Broadwood piano is in the centre of the picture gallery and the Kirckmann harpsichord is in the drawing room.
“We are very excited with the prospect of returning this wonderful instrument to its former glory and hearing the music during a summer concert.
“We are really grateful to those who have already shown an interest in joining us in this quest by making a pledge and look forward to welcoming many others into the project so we can get to the target needed.
“There’s a bit still to go but we are confident we can make it and I look forward to listening to the concert with others, all knowing that we made it happen together.
Hospitalfield director Lucy Byatt said: “We want to be able to display the harp as part of the collection, alongside the paintings, ceramics, embroidery, carving and sculpture so that it can be seen by visitors.
“Restoring the harp to a playable state means that audiences can hear expert harpists playing the instrument during special events.”
