Colonial Williamsburg Craftsmen Sell Recreated 18th Century Spinet

A newly crafted spinet-style harpsichord has joined the Colonial Williamsburg musical instrument collection, but with a unique twist: it is available for purchase. Skilled artisans, Edward Wright and Melanie Belongia, have meticulously recreated a 1764 harpsichord originally crafted by London-based maker William Harris. The newly built instrument is priced at $21,000.

Working from the reconstructed Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop, Wright and Belongia dedicated approximately 700 labor hours over two years to complete the piece. The decision to create this reproduction stemmed from their desire to study and understand the original instrument better. “We could research the harpsichord by reproducing it,” Wright explained, adding that their research extended to Harris’s family, which included several harpsichord makers.

The spinet’s frame is constructed from white oak and yellow pine, finished with walnut and maple veneer. The mechanics of the instrument were a collaborative effort, with Belongia contributing her expertise in inlaid decorations and inscriptions. Wright noted that they might be among the few artisans practicing this trade using 18th-century methods today.

The wood used for the spinet has a rich history. The oak was sourced from stock that had been in the shop for about a year, while the black walnut originated from trees on the Colonial Williamsburg property that were felled during Hurricane Irene in August 2011. The keyboard features maple boarding, with keys adorned with white pine levers plated in bone for the naturals and black-stained pearwood for the accidentals.

The new instrument bears a Latin inscription above the keyboard that mirrors the original: “Wright & Belongia Fecit Williamsburg, Virginia 2024,” replacing the original’s “William Harris Fecit London 1764.” While the original harpsichord’s specific walnut species remains unidentified, Wright and Belongia opted for materials that comply with modern regulations, avoiding the use of ivory in the key caps.

Wright has been involved in harpsichord construction for over 40 years, during which he has built approximately 15 to 16 new instruments. He emphasized the importance of understanding the craftsmanship and history behind these unique musical pieces. “These instruments are very distinctive and have a very honored history,” he said, underlining the significance of studying their origins and usage.

The reproduction spinet has already made an impression at the Historical Keyboard Society of North America’s annual conference, where its sound captivated attendees. “All the players were completely surprised by its tone,” Wright noted, stating that they were eager to understand the techniques employed to achieve such quality. The goal of the project was to replicate the bright, mellow tone characteristic of Harris’s original harpsichord, which remains highly regarded for its sound.

Despite some interest since the spinet was offered for sale earlier this month, no transactions have materialized. “We’re asking $21,000 (plus tax) based upon our labor and the cost of materials,” Wright explained, emphasizing the need for the right buyer at the right time.

Potential buyers or those interested in learning more about harpsichord making in Colonial Williamsburg can contact the organization directly. The craftsmanship and historical significance of this spinet highlight the enduring legacy of 18th-century music-making traditions.