Organ matters - Organs matter!

House Organs => House Organs => Topic started by: diapason on January 05, 2012, 11:18:14 AM

Title: House organ - information sought on history
Post by: diapason on January 05, 2012, 11:18:14 AM
I've recently bought a house organ which was originally built in the 1920s by the Aeolian Orchestrelle Company for a Mr Ainslie who is believed to have lived in the Bridgnorth area and to have been a patron of the Aeolian company.  After the war, the organ was rebuilt in a house in Newport, South Wales, probably by  A.E. Davies of Northampton.  New pipework was added, by Grant, Gegens and Rippin (later Bradbeer) and new chest magnets were fitted in the 1980s by Roger Taylor.  The organ was moved yo York in 1994 by Geoffrey Coffin (Principal Pipe Organs).

I am trying to fill in some gaps in the history and hope that  some forum members may be able to help.  I would like to know more about Mr Ainslie and his house in Bridgnorth, Shropshire.  I am also trying to trace any records from the now defunct companies of Alfred E. Davies and Grant Degens and Rippin/Bradbeer.

Many thanks,
Nigel

Title: Re: House organ - information sought on history
Post by: David Pinnegar on January 05, 2012, 11:51:15 AM
Dear Nigel

I think Matthew Copley was apprenticed to GD&R so it might be worth having a chat with him.

Congratulations on your purchase. A lot of work but it will be thoroughly worthwhile . . .

Best wishes

David P
Title: Re: House organ - information sought on history
Post by: revtonynewnham on January 05, 2012, 12:28:57 PM
Hi

The organ Diapason mentions looks interesting - and we could do with some info for NPOR once you've traced what you can!

I don't remember seeing a mention of it in Maurice Forsyth-Grant's book, which includes a catalogue of organs by GDB in its various guises - but6 it might be worth another look.  I've no idea what happened to the records of either firm.  BOA has an A.E. Davies of West Drayton as taking over the Aeolien business - could this be the Davies you're looking for, rather than the Northampton firm?

Good luck with the research.

Every Blessing

Tony
Title: Re: House organ - information sought on history
Post by: diapason on January 05, 2012, 02:13:09 PM
Many thanks.  I will certainly send details to NPOR as soon as work is inished - hopefully it will be tuned within the next fortnight.  I have had a chat to Matthew Copley who is going to speak to a contact of his.  I think the A.E. Davies quoted by Tony is the right man - I think that his records were passed to a Jack Davies.  I'm making more enquiries.

Matthew also told me that he is coming to Taunton next week to rescue a very fine Robson organ which was in danger of being smashed up by the church.  More details in the appropriate part of the forum to follow.

N
Title: Re: House organ - information sought on history
Post by: JSW on June 05, 2012, 01:17:26 PM
Dear Nigel,
Surprised you didn't let me know about this, but glad to hear all is going well with the Aeolian.  I can add one idea for your research.  The Newport owner of the organ, before it came to me in Chapter House Street, York, was R. H. Colborne, Ingleside, Fields Park Crescent, Newport. NP9 5BN.  Mr. Colborne sadly passed away sometime ago, but I do know he contributed to 'The Organ' magazine. (Either articles or letters.)  You would probably need a better index than that of the magazine itself. (someone compiled one recently I think)  Otherwise it would mean a long search through the post-war issues.
Good wishes,
John Scott Whiteley
Title: Re: House organ - information sought on history
Post by: diapason on June 05, 2012, 05:08:19 PM
Dear John,

Good to hear from you.  I only found out by chance about the organ which Matthew has rescued when I was talking to him about the GDB records.  It was in a church in Bishop's Hull where I played a few years ago - I resigned when they disbanded the choir and asked my to conduct a dance band instead of using the organ. I had objected to the faculty to break the organ up and things had gone quiet for a long time before I heard that Matthew had obtained it.  He is, I think, looking for a new home for it.

The Aeolian is working well.  It just fitted in my room and is settling down well.  I was held up in completing it as I have been unwell, but have now done most of the work and it has had it's first tuning.  Many thanks for the information about Mr Colborne.  My local organbuilder, Roger Taylor, remembered that he replaced some of the chest magnets for him in the 80's.  I didn't know about his contributions the 'The Organ' and will do some more research.  I hope that your new organ is coming on well.

Regards,
Nigel
Title: Re: House organ - information sought on history
Post by: JSW on June 05, 2012, 05:31:33 PM
Thanks Nigel,
Yes, the house organ here is finished.  Paul has done a splendid job, and we are enjoying it greatly.
Another thought occurred.  A friend, or acquaintance, of Mr. Colborne for many years was Geoffrey Morgan (Christchurch Priory).  Geoffrey certainly knew something about this organ, so it would be worth getting in touch with him.
Best,
JSW
Title: Re: House organ - information sought on history
Post by: diapason on June 06, 2012, 09:24:08 AM
Many thanks, John,

I'll get in touch with Geoffrey and see if he can help to fill in the gaps: I would particularly like to know more about Mr Ainslie and the house in Bridgenorth.  I'm pleased that your organ is finished - Paul is an excellent workman (as well as a player).  I'm planning to ask Roger Taylor to come back in a couple of months to do some fine regulation on the Aeolian.

Regards,
Nigel