A very amusing start to the day at the Walker this morning we saw the Loophonium (or Harpic-phone (groan)), created by the late Liverpool-based musician, composer, writer and humorist Fritz Spiegl.

A talented professional flautist, Fritz designed the bizarre contraption for use in April Fools’ concerts staged with fellow members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Walker bought the instrument at an auction following Fritz’s death in 2003, aged 77. It has been conserved before being put on display.

His widow Ingrid was there this morning and explained that the work was great fun but difficult to keep in the house. She also said “Fritz would be tickled pink that the Loophonium is on display among some of the great artworks and masterpieces. It is tremendous to think that one of Fritz’s creations will continue to make visitors smile.”

A cross between a lavatory and a euphonium, the surreal musical instrument was devised by Fritz about 1960 by replacing the horn of a silver-plated euphonium with a toilet painted with flowers and a wooden seat in the form of a lyre.

Fritz fled the Nazis as a boy and was widely-known for his humorous books including the Lern Yerself Scouse series.

He composed the famous Z-Cars TV theme (based on the sea shanty Johnny Todd) and was a frequent broadcaster who also wrote regularly for newspapers and magazines.

The Loophonium goes on display to the public from Saturday July 29th 2006 complete with a loudspeaker for you to hear the sound of the instrument which is more like a fart than anything more musical.