A Hurdy-Gurdy by Pajot Fils

This poster features a hurdy-gurdy made by Pajot Fils, one of the most celebrated instrument makers of Jenzat, in the Allier department of France. Heir to a family of luthiers who profoundly shaped the history of the hurdy-gurdy, Pajot Fils produced instruments renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and elegance.

This hurdy-gurdy is distinguished by its rich decoration. The painted floral motifs adorning the soundbox, the finely inlaid keyboard, and the beautifully carved female head testify to the meticulous attention devoted to every detail. The photographs by Pascal Cranga highlight the harmony of its design, the refinement of its ornamentation, and the beauty of the carefully selected timbers.

The instrument was played during the early twentieth century by Anet Pérol, a hurdy-gurdy player from Saint-Gervais-d’Auvergne, in the Allier region. This documented provenance adds a further dimension to the instrument’s history, revealing it not only as an outstanding example of French lutherie but also as a living musical instrument that accompanied the performances of traditional musicians of its time.

This poster pays tribute to the craftsmanship of the Pajot workshops and to the musical heritage passed down through generations of hurdy-gurdy players in the Bourbonnais and Auvergne regions.

Poster Specifications

Photography and Layout: Pascal Cranga

A retired hurdy-gurdy maker and tonewood dealer, Pascal Cranga devoted much of his life to the study, restoration, and construction of this iconic traditional instrument. Passionate about historical hurdy-gurdies, he assembled over the years an extensive collection of instruments together with a rich photographic archive highlighting their diversity, aesthetic beauty, and historical significance.

Format: 400 × 600 mm

Printing Process: Colorado – High Quality

Print: Matte finish on 200 g/m² photographic paper

This poster faithfully reproduces original photographs by Pascal Cranga, revealing the intricate details, materials, and elegance of a historic hurdy-gurdy.