Triple harp

Alternate name(s)

Telyn

Date1750-1789 ca.

Place MadeLlanrwst, Wales, Europe

ModelWelsh triple harp

Serial No.none

SignedOn back of square block at joint of soundbox and neck is scratched: T * I / 1837
DescriptionThe Welsh triple harp derives from the Italian Renaissance harp, with multiple layers of strings for naturals and sharps. The instrument became popular in Wales in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Its playing is preserved today as a folk tradition.

Body: nine staves, edged with black-painted moulding
Straight-sided soundboard of longitudinal grain has six (three pairs) of soundholes of 15-22 mm diameter (larger holes at lower end)
Nine brass screws holding top of soundboard in place
Painted black moulding continues in 2 pieces across lower edge of soundboard
Straight fore pillar has curved front surface painted black
Side surfaces flat with moulded profile along edge
Topped with a rear-facing carved violin-type scroll
Neck of harp has high harmonic curve
Shoulder topped with a smaller, forward-facing scroll then curves downwards, attached
to a rectangular wooden block which is supported by a circular section beneath
which is the carved, fluted top of the body.
Ninety-six strings (GG-g3) in three rows (36; 32; 28).
96º brass tuning pins, with tapered four-sided heads on Player’s left
Strings held in place on soundboard by wooden pins
Behind each is a metal staple
Harp sits on (later) wooden stand with 2 scrolls at front
Gut strings
DimensionsMax. height (including stand): 1880 mm
Max. width: 485 mm
Max. depth (including stand): 750 mm
Longest string: 1520 mm
Shortest string: 150 mm
ProvenanceBrought from Wales by Clara Sinnet White, who was head of the conservatory of Music at Denison University, Granville, Ohio, and displayed in her home for many years. When her estate was settled, it was bought by a musical instrument collector in Granville who restored it and built the platform which enables it to be free-standing. Raymond Lewis bought it when this collector sold his collection.
Gift of Fanchion Robb Lewis, Granville, Ohio, 1995.
Published ReferencesAndré P. Larson, “Mazzeo Collection a Highlight . . . 1995 Acquisitions Include Rare
Clarinets, Vintage Strings,” The Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter 23, No. 3 (January 1996), pp. 1-4.

Credit LineGift of Fanchion Robb Lewis, in memory of Raymond John Lewis, 1995

Object number05886

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