A musical instrument maker from Belgium has made Ireland his home and is making harps.
Born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1947, Jan Muyllaert moved to Ireland in 1972. In the garage of his home just outside Navan in County Meath, he has set up a traditional Irish industry.
Working twelve hours a day, he is making Irish harps.
At present, it takes three weeks to complete a harp made from locally sourced trees usually spruce and sycamore. Jan Muyllaert also makes bouzoukis, mandolins, and fiddles. He hopes to concentrate on the manufacture of the traditional Irish harp.
A labour of love initially which has become what he hopes will be a thriving business.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 7 November 1977. The reporter is Dermot Mullane.
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