Inside AND Upstairs: inside The Organ at St Michael All Angels, Blackheath

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3 ай бұрын

Super thanks to the utterly charming David Hawkett.
St Michaels organ was created by John Harris in 1721 and originally lived in St John’s Chapel, Bedford Row, in Holborn. NPOR says It was moved to St Michaels (which wasn’t called St Michael’s at the time) in 1821 (which appear to be before the foundations of church were finished in 1828 - so this seems dubious - but perhaps it was stored somehow?).
Out of interest the organ at St John’s Holborn was replaced with one by Henry Lincon - which itself was then transferred to Thaxted parish church 1858 - clearly organs were being moved around like books on a shelf.
[the roof collapse and St John’s was ultimately demolished]
So the John Harris organ at St Micheals started life around 1721 - this is pretty old, but it’s possible things go back ever further in the sense that the creator of the what’s often called the oldest organ in the country at St Botolph's Algate was called Renatus Harris - he had an organ maker son called John - is it our John Harris? - I can’t be sure - but the dates and locations do work out.
npor.org.uk/survey/E01307
&
npor.org.uk/survey/N16287

Пікірлер: 4

@adrianmlridgewayarcmlramll1965 2 ай бұрын

What a lovely guy, so humble and kind, also really nice introduction to this nice organ, very interesting so well done and bravo! We need more chaps like you!!! Good luck on fund raising and do hope the organ stays safe forever, not messed with and you get all your problems and issues sorted out soon. I know annoying when stops aren't working or notes off - I'm the only organ builder here in Bermuda, and am constantly busy dealing with the stuff tropical insects do to leatherwork and electrical systems. No pneumatics left here and only 3 remaining trackers. For a tiny island, we are fortunate enough to have 5 four manual organs here now and have hosted concerts and recitals by Diane Bish, Fred Swann, Ian Tracy, Thomas Trotter, the American Boy Choir, Scott Dettra and Wayne Marshall, so we're real lucky. All this keeps me tuning 3-4 times a week all year! If I were in the UK, I'd sort you out in short order and visit 6 times a year, but alas am stuck here now!! Maybe one day you'd like to vist and enjoy the sights and sounds of this gorgeous British island with its stunning beaches and now, 5 four manual pipe organs (2 with digital augmentation to be fair!!! But still Fab!! Take care, cheers and best to you! Adrian ☺️☺️☺️ Bermuda Pipe Organ Company !limited, LLC St George’s Bermuda

@hereticatious 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for kind and interesting comment. If I ever get to Bermuda....m :-) If you have any contacts with UK/London based organ builders - I'd love to film one in action on site?