Six Centuries of Organ Building in Devon

Nigel Browne

The earliest information about the presence of organs in Devon comes from the Fabric Rolls of Exeter Cathedral which records that money was spent on the organ in 1280. During most of the following six centuries, up to the start of the First World War, organ building was carried out in Exeter, and in Plymouth survived through the twentieth century. Notable builders included the Chappington family based in North Devon and John Loosemoore in Exeter whose Cathedral organ achieved national fame. Builders with Devonian connections included Alexander Buckingham whose surviving notebook provides valuable information about long-lost organs. Dr Nigel Browne's book provides the first complete account of organ building in Devon and is based on extensive studies of various documentary sources as well as descriptions of surviving instruments. The book draws on Dr Browne's PhD thesis awarded by the University of Exeter.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PART I - From the beginning to the death of Charles Rewallin, 1697

PART II - Tiverton, 1696 to the retirement of Paul Micheau, 1817

PART III - Exeter, 1815 to 1914

PART IV - Organ Builders in Plymouth and elsewhere in Devon

PART V - Organ Builders with Devonian connections

Appendix - Henry Philip Dicker - opus list

Select Bibliography

Index

ORDER FORM