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Historic Organ Builder Query

Started by ComptonNewbie, February 13, 2012, 07:35:01 PM

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ComptonNewbie

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask, but couldn't see a better category.

I have a small (3 stop & coupler) relay in a plywood box.  It has the address 'Resonant Works, Linton Lane, Epson, Surrey', stamped on the inside.  Any suggestions on who this was?

Regards,  Simon.

AnOrganCornucopia

#1
Almost certainly something to do with Corbett & Bielby of Epsom, of whom the less said the better.

ComptonNewbie

Having never heard of them, I presume they were a fairly modest local firm?

A quick web search brings up very little of relevance.


revtonynewnham

Hi

It could just be a parts supplier.  Elvin lists some in his various books - if you had a name it would be much easier, as, assuming the firm were in business pre-1950, DBOB (Dictionary of British Organ Builders) would probably have an entry and give a starting point for tracking down more info.

Every Blessing

Tony

matt h

Hi,

I'm fairly sure an organ builder called Percy George Beard worked there, whether he was part of a larger firm or not I don't know.   

Regards,
Matt.

revtonynewnham

Hi

And a couple of minutes on DBOB proves it - the info there reads:-

BEARD Percy G.
Floruit: 1931-1938D
Located: Epsom
Trade: ob
making organ percussions from 1931
Addresses used by this firm
Address      From   To
Lintons La,[Resonant Wks], Epsom   1934D   1938D
References for the information above
Trade Directories: Kelly London County 1934-38
BOA Beard, Percy G. file; leaflet etc
Rotunda 1931 /03, Vol.3, No.4, ad
Trade Directories: Kelly Surrey 1938
Cross references for this firm
Beard, P. - ?connection with

The P. Beard who may or may not have a connection is also on DBOB, active in London in the 1920's & '30's as an employee of Hill, Norman & Beard.

Every Blessing

Tony

AnOrganCornucopia

#6
Modest is one way of putting it. C&B's work has the worst survival rate I have ever encountered - mostly rebuilds which have either been completely rebuilt again, eradicating their work, or rebuilds which have been scrapped. There are precious few survivals. They also built a number of small new organs in the 1950s, 60s and 70s - hardly any now survive. The very limited experience I have of their work would seem to confirm what certain older organists in this area have told me, which was that they were extremely poor instruments.