Contents

The Guild Church of St Margaret Pattens

The Organ

St Margaret Pattens Organ Report 2009 by Rupert Perkins

The present organ dates from the 1750s when Thomas Griffin built an instrument with 14 stops.  About 100 years later, in 1856, George Maydwell Holdich carried out extensive alterations at a reported cost of £334.15.  Further work was carried out by Foster and Andrews in 1886/8 and again in 1911.  Rushworth & Dreaper came on the scene in 1956 when they restored the organ for a reported cost of £1050.  Little work has been carried out on the organ since then, but it is maintained at present by Mander Organs.

In September 2008 the British Institute of Organ Studies awarded St Margaret Patten‘s organ a Certificate Grade 1 "in recognition of it containing an outstanding case by Griffin in 1749, enclosing a fine organ by Forster & Andrews 1886 in original condition".  For Certificate, see below.

The organ has mainly tracker action to the two manuals with pneumatic pedal chests.  Some of the pipe work may well date back to the 1750s, but for a proper history they would need to be removed and inspected.

In October 2006 I met Leslie Ross from Mander Organs at the church to assess the condition of the organ.  His inspection indicated that the larger pipes in the swell box were showing some signs of collapsing and needed attention.  The wooden trackers would also benefit from some work.  The main reservoir (air chamber) has been patched up in recent years as the leather has become dry and needs extensive replacement.

Despite the organ undergoing extensive rebuilding over the years it still retains its splendid 1749 Griffin organ case and is a fine example of English case making.

A complete conservative restoration of the organ was quoted at a minimum of £150,000.  For a more detailed quote a full survey of the organ would be required.

The organ is one of the main physical assets of the church and is one of the reasons I am still here.  It definitely merits having a complete conservative restoration in the next few years, before it is too late and the costs consequently spiral.  For example, if a few pipes were to collapse this could do severe damage to other components.

On a broader note, I have spent over 10 years working hard on building up the music tradition at St Margaret Pattens, and the organ obviously plays a pivotal role in this.  Singers, organists, and indeed music directors, have come and gone, but the organ still stands magnificently.  My desire would be to leave a legacy where there is a proper post for the next director of music, and a delightful organ in top condition for all the congregation and visitors to enjoy.

Rupert Perkins

May 2009

Other interesting facts about the organ

● Thomas Griffin was paid £150 and given an annuity of £20 per annum for playing and maintaining the organ.  Upon his death his widow was to receive the money, but no responsibility for the organ was to burden her.  Griffin was first paid his annuity in 1750 and this continued until his death in 1771, after which George Griffin appears to have succeeded him as tuner.

● Equal temperament came with the work undertaken by Messrs Forster and Andrews in 1886. 

Specification of the organ

  Certificate of the British Institute of Organ Studies