AJJ Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I was wondering if anyone knew anything about organs in NT properties - do they have an 'attached' organ expert etc. or has anyone compiled a list/catalogued etc.? A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Contrabombarde Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I was wondering if anyone knew anything about organs in NT properties - do they have an 'attached' organ expert etc. or has anyone compiled a list/catalogued etc.? A Hmm, what an interesting question. No idea if they've ever been catelogued, but several properties spring immediately to mind, all of which have organs of great interest whether or not they actually still work. Ones that I've played or heard played so know they work (at least within the last ten years or so!) are asterixed. Calke Abbey - 1 manual 1825 Flight and Robson http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N00414 Kedleston hall - 2 manual Snetzler 1765, restored by Dominic Gwynn http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=D02535 All Saints Kedleston - 2 manual Hill, 1899 (unplayable) in divided case http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=D02318 Tatton Hall 3 manual Willis III, 1935 [*] http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N02354 St Michael's Mount - 3 manual, 14 stop, originally Byfield 1786 [*] http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=D05198 Attingham Hall - 1 manual Samuel Green, 1788 [*] http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N01747 Erddig Park - 2 manual 1865 Bevinton http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=D03324 Oxburgh Hall 1760 1 manual Elliot or Snetzler 1760 http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N06566 Osterley Park 1788 1 manual Henry Holland, 2001 Goetze and Gwynn http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=R00800 If you are looking for a good place for a day out, don't forget English Heritage too, or houses in private ownership. Examples: Eccleston Hall Gray and Davison barrel organ 1838 http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=D06471 Blenheim Palace 4 manual Father Willis, 1891 [*] http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N09565 Blenheim Palace chapel (next room to the library!) 2 manual Postill, 1853 [*] http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N09566 Adlington Hall Father Smith 1670 [*] http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N04410 Heaton Park (owned by Manchester City Council, 2 manual Green 1790 [*] http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N01584 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJJ Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 Wow - thanks for these - and the EH ones too! A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arp Schnitger Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 To which I can add a few more: Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire (Father Smith/ Goetze & Gwynn) http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N13232 ://http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsea...c_index=N13232 ://http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsea...c_index=N13232 Also an organ in St Mary's church, Canon's Ashby, but seemingly not listed on NPOR. Killerton House, Devon - William Gray, 1807 http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N12976 Killerton House Chapel- Positive Organ Co. http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N12975 Hanbury Hall- Samuel Green- Claviorganum- mentioned in this thread http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=T01068 I'm sure there's an organ in Cothele House Chapel, but nothing listed on NPOR- I've certainly played it, but not 100% sure it was Cothele! Calke Abbey, Derbyshire- Unknown/Goetze & Gwynn http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...01#PhotoSection Calke Abbey- Barrel Organ, 1793 http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=K00941 Baddesley Clinton Church, adjoining house- Chamber organ by Sarah Green (Samuel Green's widow) http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N05825 Not technically NT property but of interest if visiting the NT house... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveBarker77 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire (Father Smith/ Goetze & Gwynn)http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N13232 ://http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsea...c_index=N13232 ://http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsea...c_index=N13232 ://http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsea...c_index=N13232 I visited this house earlier in the year and the steward was very keen for me to play it when she saw me take an interest - don't be afraid to ask if you visit as they seem to like it being used! Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S_L Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Sledemre House in East Yorkshire, not NT or EH but, is owned by the Sykes family. There is a large three manual organ in the Hall which used to be played by the late Sir Richard Sykes on a Sunday afternoon. I drove past some time ago and there was a sign outside the hall saying that 'the organ is now being played'. There are numerous references to the instrument on the 'net' - it seems it is played nowadays on Wednesdays and Sundays. There also appears to be a recording made by Simon Lindley available 'only at the house' and I thought, although I may be mistaken, that Francis Jackson recorded some Stanford from there. http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=D05066 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justadad Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Surrey, houses a private collection of interesting and historic keyboards, but the organ is owned by the National Trust. http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N13737 J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip J Wells Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Some years ago I sent in a series of corrections to the NPOR to try and get them to include "National Trust" in the address so that it could be used as a search term. "National Trust" in the address search box is currently showing 14 properties. (Interesting to see the cut and paste below pastes more than was displayed on the NPOR screen.) I'm sure that they will be delighted to know of more. PJW Denbighshire (Clwyd) Erddig Park (SJ3248) , Erddig Park , former seat of the Yorke family (National Trust Country House) Chapel Organ Surveyed: See details of K00710 Builders: Entrance Hall Organ Surveyed: 1977 IIP 9 See details of D03324 Organ in bad state of repair Builders: 1865 Bevington Derbyshire Kedleston (SK312403) , Kedleston Hall , DE22 5JH (National Trust Property) Surveyed: 1995 I 7 See details of D02535 Organ playable Builders: 1765 John Snetzler 1824 Alexander Buckingham 1993 Dominic Gwynn Derbyshire Ticknall (SK369223) , St. Giles , Calke Abbey (National Trust), LE65 1RR (Private Church in Calke Abbey Park) Barrel Organ Surveyed: 2001 3 See details of N00414 Builders: 1825? Flight & Robson ? 1865(c.) Devon Castle Drogo (SX721900) , Chapel , EX6 6PB (National Trust Property) Surveyed: 2002 I 9 See details of A00579 Organ unusable Builders: Positive Organ Co Devon Killerton House (SS9700) , Killerton House (National Trust House) Surveyed: 2002 IIP 11 See details of N12976 Builders: 1807 William Gray 1901 Henry Dyer & Son Gloucestershire Snowshill (SP09663389) , Snowshill Manor , WR12 7JU (National Trust Manor House) Surveyed: 1975 I 3 See details of N05778 Builders: 1810(c.) Christopher Gerock Hampshire Sherborne St. John (SU636568) , The Vyne , RG24 9HL (National Trust Property) History of 1949 Henry Holland organ from The Vyne, Basingstoke Surveyed: 1968 I 6 See details of N11325 Organ transferred elsewhere Builders: 1949 1955 N.P. Mander 1960 N.P. Mander Herefordshire (Hereford and Worcester) Croft (SO4565) , Croft Castle (National Trust Property) Surveyed: 2004 I 10 See details of J00031 Organ maintained Builders: 2003 M.J. Doust Kent Sevenoaks -- Knole (TQ539542) , Knole House Chapel , Knole Lane, Knole, TN15 0RP (National Trust Property Chapel) Surveyed: 1968 I 5 See details of N14808 Builders: 1623? Middlesex (London, Greater) Osterley Park (TQ145780) , Osterley Park House , Jersey Road, TW7 4RB (National Trust House) History of 1949 Henry Holland organ from The Vyne, Basingstoke Surveyed: 2003 I 6 See details of R00800 Organ playable Builders: 1788 Henry Holland 2001 Goetze and Gwynn Somerset (Avon) Tyntesfield (ST 506 715) , Tyntesfield Estate Chapel (National Trust Property) Surveyed: 2002 IIP 10 See details of K00078 Organ no longer present Builders: 1873 Wm Hill Somerset (Avon) Tyntesfield (ST 506 715) , Tyntesfield Oratory (National Trust Property) Surveyed: See details of R00931 Organ no longer present Builders: Brindley Surrey Clandon, East (TQ 067 520) , Hatchlands , former residence of Lord Rendel, GU4 7RT (National Trust Property) Surveyed: 2004 IIIP 19 See details of N13737 Organ maintained Builders: 1904 J.W. Walker & Sons Surveyed: 2004 I 9 See details of K00344 Organ playable Builders: 1989 1996 Goetze & Gwynn Warwickshire Coughton (SP083606 ) , St. Peter, Paul & Elizabeth , Coughton Court, (National Trust Property), B49 5JA (Roman Catholic Chapel) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackaubrey Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 I was wondering if anyone knew anything about organs in NT properties - do they have an 'attached' organ expert etc. or has anyone compiled a list/catalogued etc.? A A large 3m Gray and Davison, in the miniature cathedral chapel of Clumber Park , a NT property in Notts. http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=A00709 When the Chapel was built the Duke of Newcastle established a Choir School and hired domestic and ground staff who could sing in the back rows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Oakley Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 A large 3m Gray and Davison, in the miniature cathedral chapel of Clumber Park , a NT property in Notts. http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=A00709 When the Chapel was built the Duke of Newcastle established a Choir School and hired domestic and ground staff who could sing in the back rows. It's a beautifully-sounding instrument that was last worked on, I believe, by H&H. My late friend, Peter Goodman, the former city organist at Hull, played it quite regularly on Wednesday afternoons when he lived at nearby Worksop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Oakley Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Not far from where I live is the rather splendid Sandon Hall, twixt Stone and Rugeley, in which there is a house organ. I'm afraid I know nothing about its pedigree and neither is it listed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Oakley Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Sledemre House in East Yorkshire, not NT or EH but, is owned by the Sykes family. There is a large three manual organ in the Hall which used to be played by the late Sir Richard Sykes on a Sunday afternoon. I drove past some time ago and there was a sign outside the hall saying that 'the organ is now being played'. There are numerous references to the instrument on the 'net' - it seems it is played nowadays on Wednesdays and Sundays. There also appears to be a recording made by Simon Lindley available 'only at the house' and I thought, although I may be mistaken, that Francis Jackson recorded some Stanford from there. http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=D05066 The Sledmere House organ used to be played to the public most Sunday afternoons when the house was open during the season. The person who played it, perhaps still does, was the organist at Rudston parsh church not far from Bridlington. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJJ Posted August 17, 2011 Author Share Posted August 17, 2011 It's a beautifully-sounding instrument that was last worked on, I believe, by H&H. My late friend, Peter Goodman, the former city organist at Hull, played it quite regularly on Wednesday afternoons when he lived at nearby Worksop. I believe too that this comes under the auspices of Worksop Priory where Michael Overbury is in charge of music. A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Treloar Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 I paid a visit to Castle Howard yesterday in that wonderful part of Yorkshire, lovely chapel containing what the guide book says is an H and H of 1875. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Treloar Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Eaton Hall, Chester, home of the Duke of Westminster, has a 3-man Whiteley in an excellent acoustic. receently restored by Nicholson. Often played on the garden Open Days when the chapel is open, the Hall is their residence and is closely guarded but the gardens are well worth a visit - even a narrow gauge railway, a replica of an earlier system serving the hall. Chester Cathedral choir usually have a concert there once a year to raise funds for tours etc.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S_L Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 The Sledmere House organ used to be played to the public most Sunday afternoons when the house was open during the season. The person who played it, perhaps still does, was the organist at Rudston parsh church not far from Bridlington. My wife was a member of Sykes family. Prior to his death in 1978 the organ was played on a Sunday by Sir Richard Sykes, the 7th Baronet. I know the great organ in the little village church at Rudston, an old vicar was a close friend of mine. It may be that the Sledmere organ is still played by the person you mention. I am up that way soon and will try to be there on a Wednesday or Sunday and call in. Rudston Parish church - the rebuilt present organ: http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=P00645 The original organ given to Rudston village church by Sir Alexander McDonald of the Isles: http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N08144 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusingMuso Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 The Sledmere House organ used to be played to the public most Sunday afternoons when the house was open during the season. The person who played it, perhaps still does, was the organist at Rudston parsh church not far from Bridlington. ============================ Going back maybe 30 years or so, "His Grace" allowed me to play the organ at Sledmere, and then asked me to advize on what should be done with the old Binns, Fitton & Haley as it then was. I'm pleased to say that almost everything I suggested was incorporated into the re-built instrument, which was undertaken by Jeffrey Coffin. The original plan, to my horror, was to replace it with a new neo-baroque organ! (I think J W Walker had suggested this). An organ or two which haven't been mentioned are those at the Hall i' th' wood museum, Bolton, (Council owned and run), and the Christian Schmidt (?) organ in the church of the Staunton Harold estate, which once served as a private chapel. I'm not sure who owns the estate these days, but the church is NT property, and of exquisite beauty inside and out. Thurston Dart made a recording of the organ in an LP of "old English organ music," of which I have a copy. (Shared with several other instruments). I have played the instrument very briefly on a visit there, but how authentic it now is, I have no idea. The Hall i' th' wood museum is fascinating; not least because it is the birthplace of the mechanised cotton industry of Lancashire, where Samuel Crompton invented the "Spinning Mule." Of even greater interest to us, is the fact that he also built an organ! This instrument was NOT in the "Sweden-Georgian" church in Bolton as stated in the NPOR, but in the "Swedenborgean" church; an interesting Christian sect which thrived throughout the 19th century in a small but significant way; embracing religion, science and industry. When the "Swedenborg" church closed in Bolton, the organ was rescued and place in the Hall i' th' Wood museum, where it remains to-day, as a fitting tribute to the varied skills of Samuel Crompton. MM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S_L Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 ============================Going back maybe 30 years or so, "His Grace" allowed me to play the organ at Sledmere, MM Oh dear - that's rather amusing. I'm sure whichever member of the family it was thoroughly enjoyed being addressed as 'Your Grace' - which is reserved only for Archbishops and Dukes or Duchesses. Baronets are addressed as 'Sir' or by their name! You probably gave advice to the 8th Baronet, Sir Tatton Sykes, although I do know that the subject of re-build was on Richard Sykes' mind prior to his death - he had initiated the 1947 re-build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusingMuso Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Oh dear - that's rather amusing. I'm sure whichever member of the family it was thoroughly enjoyed being addressed as 'Your Grace' - which is reserved only for Archbishops and Dukes or Duchesses. Baronets are addressed as 'Sir' or by their name! You probably gave advice to the 8th Baronet, Sir Tatton Sykes, although I do know that the subject of re-build was on Richard Sykes' mind prior to his death - he had initiated the 1947 re-build. ===================== You're right of course! I don't often meet people like this. However, you are also right that it was indeed Sir Tatton Sykes with whom I corresponded, and I think I hit the nail on the head by suggesting that a re-build of the instrument would have been a fitting memorial to his father. I'm glad that this is what happened, because the idea of a neo-baroque organ in a stately home seemed completely wrong to me. It all seems such a long time ago now. MM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innate Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 However, you are also right that it was indeed Sir Tatton Sykes with whom I corresponded, and I think I hit the nail on the head by suggesting that a re-build of the instrument would have been a fitting memorial to his father. I'm glad that this is what happened, because the idea of a neo-baroque organ in a stately home seemed completely wrong to me. An organ of a style contemporary with that of the building it's in? That would be awful. It'd be like Queen’s Oxford all over again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusingMuso Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 An organ of a style contemporary with that of the building it's in? That would be awful. It'd be like Queen's Oxford all over again. ============================ Except that it wouldn't have been. It would have been a late 20th century neo-baroque instrument with a pan-European specification. It would not have been in the old English style at all. Musically, I completely accept the stunning quality of the Queens' College, Frobenius, but then I would, wouldn't I? After all, I do play one of the best neo-baroque organs from that era, which like Queens' is always referred to as "a bit special." Were an organ of a classical disposition to be installed at Sledmere, I suspect it would have to follow the tonal character of Snetzler, Harris, Greene or Byfield; refinement being a pre-requisite, in what is not a VERY large room, unlike somewhere like Blenheim Palace. MM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusingMuso Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 My wife was a member of Sykes family. Prior to his death in 1978 the organ was played on a Sunday by Sir Richard Sykes, the 7th Baronet. I know the great organ in the little village church at Rudston, an old vicar was a close friend of mine. It may be that the Sledmere organ is still played by the person you mention. I am up that way soon and will try to be there on a Wednesday or Sunday and call in. Rudston Parish church - the rebuilt present organ: http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=P00645 The original organ given to Rudston village church by Sir Alexander McDonald of the Isles: http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi...ec_index=N08144 ================================== How interesting to learn about Sir Alexander MacDonald donating the organ. I have often wondered about the details of a visit to Skye, when I met a lady organist called, I think, Flora MacDonald. I was only about 13 or so, and I hope I've got the name right, but she was apparently quite a blue-blood. Family connection perhaps? MM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S_L Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 ================================== How interesting to learn about Sir Alexander MacDonald donating the organ. I have often wondered about the details of a visit to Skye, when I met a lady organist called, I think, Flora MacDonald. I was only about 13 or so, and I hope I've got the name right, but she was apparently quite a blue-blood. Family connection perhaps? MM I suspect it's the wrong branch of the same clan! Sir Alexander McDonald who gave the huge 4 manual organ to Rudston Parish Church, where he was organist for over 40 years, was a member of the McDonald's of Sleat whose home, since about 1847, has been in Yorkshire - at Thorpe Hall, Rudston. I knew the organ in the very early 1970's when it was a large two-manual. Since then I notice that a choir organ has been added 'in the style of the orginal' as well as swell and pedal reeds. The church is tiny, full organ must be deafening, and the organ case completely covers the West wall of the church. On entering the building you are immediately confronted by this large organ case which, I understand, suffered bomb damage during the 2nd world war. The console is in the chancel and, in truth, the instrument is 'nothing special' save that it must be one of the largest village organs in the land! (dangerous statement!) It might be 'nothing special' but it's well worth a visit for members of the board who might be on their way to organ recitals at Bridlington Priory. Going along the A614 Driffield to Bridlington road turn left at Burton Agnes, just before the hall. Rudston village is three miles down this road. The benefice of Rudston, Carnaby, Boynton and Kilham has the incumbent living at Rudston - the vicarage is opposite the church. In previous times I was always made to feel very welcome when calling in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusingMuso Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I suspect it's the wrong branch of the same clan! Sir Alexander McDonald who gave the huge 4 manual organ to Rudston Parish Church, where he was organist for over 40 years, was a member of the McDonald's of Sleat whose home, since about 1847, has been in Yorkshire - at Thorpe Hall, Rudston. I knew the organ in the very early 1970's when it was a large two-manual. Since then I notice that a choir organ has been added 'in the style of the orginal' as well as swell and pedal reeds. The church is tiny, full organ must be deafening, and the organ case completely covers the West wall of the church. On entering the building you are immediately confronted by this large organ case which, I understand, suffered bomb damage during the 2nd world war. The console is in the chancel and, in truth, the instrument is 'nothing special' save that it must be one of the largest village organs in the land! (dangerous statement!) It might be 'nothing special' but it's well worth a visit for members of the board who might be on their way to organ recitals at Bridlington Priory. Going along the A614 Driffield to Bridlington road turn left at Burton Agnes, just before the hall. Rudston village is three miles down this road. The benefice of Rudston, Carnaby, Boynton and Kilham has the incumbent living at Rudston - the vicarage is opposite the church. In previous times I was always made to feel very welcome when calling in. ======================================= Oh dear! I put you to a lot of trouble, and on checking, now realise that I had got the Scots name wrong. I am half MacDonald apprently, though I always refused to wear the skirt! I think the person to whom I was referring, may well have been the utterly formidable, late Dame Flora Macleod of the Macleods, who slummed it by living in Dunvegan Castle, on the Isle of Skye. I believe she was the last person to be born in 10, Downing Street. I wish I knew the exact details of her musical ability, for it would confirm one wqy or the other whether or not it was she I met, but I believe it may well have been. At the age of 13 or so, you don't take titles too seriously. MM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolsey Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Surprised to see no mention yet of the Lewis organ in St Mary's Church, Studley Royal which was restored by Harrison & Harrison in 1980. The church is owned by English Heritage and managed by the NT. I also remember seeing an organ in the dining room at Kingston Lacy but cannot remember if it was in working order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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