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While we were glad to be permitted to do this work, it was somewhat difficult to include while the restoration was already underway. Originally we considered modification of the organ case to lower the impost far enough to restore the original outline of the façade, but for various reasons this was not possible. Our solution was to try and reintroduce the most “natural” appearance possible through altering pipe body lengths. In the case of the six pipes set in the two main corbels of the case, this meant the fabrication and use of Haskell re-entrant tubes. We found this a more elegant solution than the inexpertly executed miters they replaced. With a design plan in place we could then consider the application of a suitable color scheme and simple stencil pattern. As the pipes emerged from our pipeshop with new bodies, inserts and ears (where needed), one by one they went through our finish room for acid-wash priming and basecoating. Stencils and borders were then applied by hand using traditional techniques. As pipes were completed they were carefully packed while the rest of the organ was prepared for delivery. Reinstallation commenced in mid November 2006, and the organ was ready for use by the following first Sunday of the Advent season, with an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the Congregation. The approval of the church has been unanimous: it has been thoroughly edifying to be told how astonished church members have been in both the visual and tonal enhancement of the organ. Staff members that contributed to this project include: Edward Odell (logistics, layout and design, electrical and switching), Shop Foreman John Williams (new chestwork, pipe shop assistance, painting/stenciling), Richard Hamar (removal, stopper repacking, chest and key action, installation), Stewart Skates (pipe shop), Holly Odell (voicing), Gordon Auchincloss (installation) and new hire Gustavo Silva (millwork, stenciling). We are grateful for the assistance and understanding of the church Organ Committee, most especially church Organist Margaret Angus and Reverend Thomas Phillip. Special mention should be made of Thomas White who acted as ex-officio consultant to the Organ Committee throughout the project as well as church member Ann Wiswall for housing our staff during removal and reinstallation phases of the project. |
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