97 Key Mortier for auction
Just thought people might be interested to know that there's a rather nice 97 key mortier coming up for auction on saturday September 13th. It's the property of the Arnett family from Hampshire, active in fairground and circus preservation and presentation for some years, but who now appear to be auctioning off their collection. I believe I'm right in saying that this organ first came to England in the 60's, one of three imported by the late Edward Hines of Shaftesbury in Dorset. I recall hearing it several times in the 70's when it was set up with the other two in a special organ house at the family premises, and was so impressed with it that it became the bench mark by which I judged Mortiers. The only other I heard that came close was the Four Columns at St Albans, coincidentally another 97 key. I was particularly disappointed then when, of the three, this was the one Mr Hines chose to sell on in the mid-70's. I believe one other owner intervened before Mr Arnett acquired it, but the family have owned it ever since. I know Mortiers have no real history in this country and, as I've probably said in the past, should a continental buyer come forward, that's probably the best place for it, but I'll admit I'd like to see this one stay in this country, especially if it went to someone who gave organ enthusiasts more of a chance to hear it. Don't think Graham Atkinson has a large Mortier, has he? :lol: Anyway, if anyone's interested, there's a picture of the organ on the website of Southern Counties Auctioneers who are conducting the sale. Go to www.salisburyauctioncentre.co.uk and click on the Netherhampton tab. Then click on the Netherhampton Salerooms Newsletter for August and you'll find the picture there, together with details of the sale. Apparently the organ will be playing periodically on the viewing and sale days, so maybe I'll go along just for that. Be nice to hear it again after all these years, provided it lives up to my memories... PS There's also a photograph on page 73 of the old FOPS Organ Parade book from the early 70's.
Just thought people might be interested to know that there's a rather nice 97 key mortier coming up for auction on saturday September 13th. It's the property of the Arnett family from Hampshire, active in fairground and circus preservation and presentation for some years, but who now appear to be auctioning off their collection. I believe I'm right in saying that this organ first came to England in the 60's, one of three imported by the late Edward Hines of Shaftesbury in Dorset. I recall hearing it several times in the 70's when it was set up with the other two in a special organ house at the family premises, and was so impressed with it that it became the bench mark by which I judged Mortiers. The only other I heard that came close was the Four Columns at St Albans, coincidentally another 97 key. I was particularly disappointed then when, of the three, this was the one Mr Hines chose to sell on in the mid-70's. I believe one other owner intervened before Mr Arnett acquired it, but the family have owned it ever since. I know Mortiers have no real history in this country and, as I've probably said in the past, should a continental buyer come forward, that's probably the best place for it, but I'll admit I'd like to see this one stay in this country, especially if it went to someone who gave organ enthusiasts more of a chance to hear it. Don't think Graham Atkinson has a large Mortier, has he? :lol: Anyway, if anyone's interested, there's a picture of the organ on the website of Southern Counties Auctioneers who are conducting the sale. Go to www.salisburyauctioncentre.co.uk and click on the Netherhampton tab. Then click on the Netherhampton Salerooms Newsletter for August and you'll find the picture there, together with details of the sale. Apparently the organ will be playing periodically on the viewing and sale days, so maybe I'll go along just for that. Be nice to hear it again after all these years, provided it lives up to my memories... PS There's also a photograph on page 73 of the old FOPS Organ Parade book from the early 70's.