Grecian Harp, Kenwood House

This double-action pedal harp was designed and made in 1828 by German-born instrument maker Sébastian Érard. The harp has a series of pedals, one for each note, and was built to play music in a variety of keys. Each pedal could be depressed twice, turning a hook that engaged with all the strings. This reduced the strings’ vibrating length, thereby raising their notes by either a semitone or a tone, depending on whether the pedal was depressed once or twice. Pedal harps of this type were most often played by women.

In the 18th and 19th centuries music was considered an appropriate pastime for women, who did not have the same rights or status in society as men and who were often not allowed to work. Middle and upper-class women were expected to study music and to be accomplished at playing instruments or singing, so that they could entertain their family and friends. Owing to their sweet, harmonious sounds, harps became particularly popular instruments for women and there are many portraits and prints showing women playing the harp.

Overlooking London’s Hampstead Heath since the early 17th century, Kenwood House was transformed in the 18th century into a grand neoclassical villa. Now restored to its Georgian splendour, Kenwood is home to a world-famous art collection.