Historically significant organ in church about to be closed

[revtonynewnham]

Hi

Details at http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=H00890  This organ is among the earliest from the Laycock & Bannister partnership - before they moved to thier new premises, and dated 2 years earlier than the commonly given date for the establishment of the partnership.  I visited last Friday with a good freind (and organ advisor from another area).  He considers the organ of great historic importance-  likely meriting a BIOS Historic Organ Certificate at 2* grade. The organ is in generally good order - the main issues being a non-functioning tremulant and pedal Bourdon - both appear to be down to broken linkages in the stop mechanism.  The reservoir has a split - but the action appears to have been overhauled in the recent past.

A new home is urgently required, as the church is due to be sold for redevelopment.  The relatively small size of the instrument is a bonus, as is the fact that it's in good playing order, and makes a very pleasant sound.

Please contact me if you're interested.  This instrument needs to be retained intact, not split for parts!

Every Blessing

Tony

[MusingMuso]

I've never heard this organ or even seen it, though I shall be a few yards away from it tomorrow evening!

I would just add to Tony's comments that L & B built real battleship quality instruments, and the best are quite good organs tonally.

Anyone who acquired this instrument and put right the basic defects, would have a solid piece of machinery built to last.

Best,

MM

[revtonynewnham]

Hi

I can't say anything definite as yet, but it looks possible that this organ can be saved - although not in this country, sadly.  I'll post an update when I know more.

every Blessing

Tony