We have been lucky enough to be given this old dulcimer, by the
Quantrell family of Norwich, whose grandfather used to play it.
You see it here in the condition we acquired it in - rather tired
and dusty from spending some time in a loft, but basically very
sound and perfectly able to be restored and played again.
Richard Blake is currently engaged in restoring this lovely old
instrument and we hope that you will hear it played next year.
If you think you have seen this instrument before or have any
recollections of someone called Alfred George Quantrell playing,
in or around the Alma Terrace area of Norwich, please contact
us. Even the smallest smippets of information can add up. The
nearest pubs would have been the Magpie and the Catherine Wheel
but we don't know if Mr Quantrell played in pubs or just at home.
He was born in 1875 so could have been playing perhaps from 1895
into the first half of the twentieth century.
In the meantime, our heartfelt thanks to the Quantrells for passing
this treasure on to us.