Erard Double Action Grecian 1813

Lady Elizabeth Winterton

Double action Grecian by Sebastian Erard number 1731 dated November 1813

The mechanics were cleaned, reassembled and re oiled. There was a little worm damage on the pedal box and body, all of which has been repaired. The decoration and mouldings are all intact but the original gilding has been painted over. It is now strung to 420Hz with Bow Brand low tension gut strings and silver wire wound on silk for the bass strings.

Although unfortunately, it has reached the end of its professional musical career, it remains structurally complete and visually striking, with the sort of craftsmanship and patina that can be difficult to replicate convincingly on a restored instrument.

Because of its age, proportions, and decorative quality, It could make an exceptional focal point within a drawing room, music room, entrance hall, or other principal interior of a Georgian or Regency restoration. It would be particularly suited to a project where authentic period objects are being used to reinforce the historical atmosphere of the building.

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On 9th November 1813 a Mrs Richardson of 22 York Place ( part of the Portman estate) brought a Grecian pedal harp from the famous Harp and Piano maker Sebastian Erard from his showrooms in Great Marlborough Street.

Each instrument had a serial number engraved on the mechanism plate that was recorded in the workshop ledgers which are now housed in the Royal College of Music’s library. From the entry we know that the purchaser was a Mrs Richardson.

Before marriage to Francis Richardson, Mrs Richardson was known as Lady Elizabeth Garth-Turnour (25 March 1780 – 06 July 1818) who was the daughter of Edward Turnour Garth-Turnour, 1st Earl Winterton, and his second wife Elizabeth

Armstrong (1758 – 1841).

Edward Turnour Garth Turnour, 1st Earl Winterton – 1734-1788 represented Bramber, Sussex in the House of Commons, was created Baron Winterton in 1761 and then Earl Winterton and Viscount Turnour in 1766. He inherited significant estates through his mother along with Shillinglee Park, Sussex, the next estate north from Petworth house.

Her husband Francis Richardson was a civil servant of the Madras Civil Service, part of the East India Company, joining as a Writer in 1793; an administrative role assisting higher-ranking civil service officials. In 1797, Francis Richardson returned to England for health reasons and married Elizabeth Garth-Turnour the following year. He and his new wife returned to India in 1799 where he held the roles of Assistant and Deputy under the Commercial Resident at Nagore.

This continued the family tradition as his father William Richardson was the Accountant General to the Honourable East India Company, a position that had been established in 1773.

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