Hi, I have a question regarding a street organ seen in the film 'The Elephant Man', when Frederick Treves is seen walking in Whitechapel Road, London, on his way to meeting Mr Merrick for the first time. Can anyone help me with a query I have?

I was wondering if any members here can identify what sort of organ is depicted in the film. I've always been very curious about it, as I'm interested in street organs and busking. The organ in the film is seen being operated by two people. One cranks a handle and the other plays a small keyboard, playing a simple folk melody. Is it a real instrument, or something the artistic director dreamed up?

Many thanks.

Hi JonO.

I don't remember that particular scene, but from your description it sounds like a "Hurdy-Gurdy", where a handle is cranked to vibrate the strings and the melody is played on a keyboard.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurdy_gurdy