New Addition to the Collection – Portable harmonium manufactured by James Smith & Son, Liverpool c. 1875
July 2025
The Eric Feller Collection was recently expanded by the acquisition of a portable harmonium manufactured by James Smith & Son, Liverpool. The instrument, dating from around 1875, represents a characteristic example of the type of travel harmonium widely used in England during the late 19th century. Notable features include its compact, foldable construction and the meticulous craftsmanship, which combines portability with considerable tonal capabilities. In its original state of preservation, the harmonium constitutes an object of both cultural-historical and organological significance, offering valuable insights into the musical everyday life and instrument-making practices of the Victorian era.