Harp maker of Strabane

STRINGS ATTACHED: AT 89, ANDERSON CRAFTS IRELAND'S NATIONAL SYMBOL >>→ Irish craftsman turns timber into tradition - and aging into artistry.

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ONE CUP OF TEA AT A TIME. Harp maker Noel Anderson, a retired wood and metalwork schoolteacher, only took up the niche craft seven years ago, making his harp aged 82. Picture: AFP

(AFP)

“It’s never too late to start a new hobby,” says 89-year-old Irish harp-maker Noel Anderson, one of only a few making the intricate instrument, a national symbol of Ireland.

A retired wood and metalwork teacher, Anderson only took up the niche craft seven years ago, making his first harp aged 82.

“It doesn’t matter what age I am really, I just pop out to the shed and work at it, sometimes for 10 minutes, sometimes for 10 hours,” said Anderson.

“I’ll keep on doing it as long as I can,” said the still spritely white-haired Anderson, who turns 90 next month.