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The Restoration Laboratory of the Museo dell’Arpa Victor Salvi
The harps in the collection of the Museo dell’Arpa Victor Salvi undergo a comprehensive restoration process to return the instruments to their original glory whenever possible. The decision to undertake this process is based on the following:
- Whether the outcome will be more functional or conservative. Functional restoration is only considered when the results will restore the instrument’s original sound without creating a hybrid – neither original nor modern.
- To eliminate previous unsuccessful attempts at restoration that were aimed at improving the function of the instrument such as added features. In such cases, the added elements are removed.
Each intervention or scientific examination creates stress on the instrument so the utmost care is taken to be as delicate as possible when carrying out this process.
The Restoration Laboratory of the Museo dell’Arpa Victor Salvi is open to all institutions or private individuals interested in restoring antique harps.
For more information please contact: info@museodellarpavictorsalvi.it
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exhibition program
The Harp from the Congo to Chicago: traveling among sounds, cultures and traditions
Piasco, Italy - "The Harp from the Congo to Chicago: traveling among sounds, cultures and traditions," a new exhibition featuring 50 unique harps from the collection of the Victor Salvi Museum opened to the public on February 18, 2008. It will be on display through the end of the year. In addition to music, the collection will also highlight the art, anthropology and origins of these fine instruments. The Victor Salvi Museum, located at via Rossana 7 in Piasco (Italy), is built on top of the Salvi Harps factory - one of the world’s leading makers of fine musical instruments. It is the only museum of its kind devoted exclusively to the harp, its music, history and the art of harpmaking.
"The museum’s current exhibition illustrates the variety and styles of harps created throughout the world," says Curator, Anna Pasetti. "Fine examples from Africa, Burma (Myanmar), South America, Europe and the United States, among other countries are included -- some date back to the 18th century. These instruments were used to create folk and "cultivated" music through the years." The exhibit was designed by noted exhibition designer, Didier Blin.
In addition to harps, the collection features a rare harp-shaped screen, made by Lyon & Healy harpmakers in Chicago. This unusual decorative screen was created for the world famous Columbian exhibition in 1893.
The Victor Salvi Museum features a performance space, music archive and a glass-enclosed gallery overlooking the Salvi Harps factory, which allows visitors an opportunity to observe craftsmen in the process of manufacturing new harps. Exhibitions change annually.
For more information about the current exhibit please visit the website of the Victor Salvi Museum at www.museodellharpavictorsalvi.it or call +39 0175 270510.
The museum is open from Sunday to Friday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and on Saturday with advance arrangements. Guided tours and harp demonstrations are available to schools and groups.
Admission €5, 00 for adults and €2,50 for children 6 to 12 years old. There is no charge for children under 5, harpists, harp class students or the disabled.
Click here to view a PDF copy of this release.
Click here to view this release in Italian.
Museo dell’Arpa Victor Salvi Receives Certification For Visually Impaired Visitors
Through a program offered by the Association “Suono Gioco” of Alba (CN), a voluntary organization dedicated to working with the disabled – especially children, the Museo dell’Arpa Victor Salvi has received certification to make its collection more accessible to visually impaired visitors.
“As a result of this comprehensive program, we have posted two new signs in Braille – one provides an introduction to the current exhibition and the other, describes what a harp is,” says Roberta Scarzello, Museum Manager. “In addition, we have created a special audio CD for use by the visually impaired containing a narrative history of the museum and sounds of harp music. We begin the visit with an explanation of our location, a description of the museum’s architecture and how the Museo dell’Arpa Victor Salvi is different from other museums in the region. A highlight for many is the opportunity to actually touch a harp and hear the beauty of its sounds. Attention is paid to a detailed description of all aspects of the instrument.”
According to Marco Ghibaudo, General Manager of Salvi Harps, “As a result of these accommodations more and more people are able to enjoy this unique exhibition space and appreciate the special beauty of the harp. The process has been very gratifying to all of us.”
For more information about the Museo dell’Arpa please contact Roberta Scarzello at +39 0175 270510 or info@museodellarpavictorsalvi.it
