London, England
Edward Light, British, ca. 1747 – ca. 1832

Wood, lacquered and gilded
ca.1810 C.E.
Height:  33 in; Width: 14 in; Depth: 5.25 in
Strings – Miscellaneous Harps – Harp Lute

An Edward Light harp-lute made in England c.1810.  Light was an active inventor and composer who invented the harp-lute (“dital harp” – a musical instrument that combines features of the harp and lute), around 1795 for vocal accompaniment. The gilded inscription reads: “580, Light, Foley Place, London.” The belly, neck, and back of the instrument is Black Japanned, with gilt decoration, and an inserted rose in the French style. This instrument has a pear-shaped body, with a curved neck supported by a front pillar or arm, reminiscent of the harp.  The fingerboard provides the frets and has in addition a thumb key.  There are seven strings on the fingerboard, and five drone strings. Four of these can be raised a semi-tone by brass ditals, one of these being turned by the left thumb by connecting levers.