SOUTHAMPTON GUILDHALL
The magnificent dual-console/dual-purpose Compton has been in an unreliable condition for some time due to lack of attention and use. However, we were glad to hear that Peter Hammond has taken it under his wing, and although it really needs a complete (and costly) overhaul, his team has got the stiffened chest motors working again. Wind leaks and some non-operating stop lights on the classical console are among the many things dealt with, and overall the organ is now in a better shape than it has been for quite a long time. Peter now feels sufficiently confident to arrange a concert for the organ's relaunch, and this is planned for Sunday, 19th October, featuring Richard Hills, Carlo Curley and others. The complete line-up, time and prices are still to be announced as we go to press.
THE NEW BRENTFORD MUSICAL MUSEUM
The Musical Museum was founded by the late Frank Holland in 1963, when he acquired the redundant St. George's Church at 368 High Street, Brentford to. house and display his collection of pianos. The collection grew to include the many, types of pianos and player pianos, and widened to take in all types of the mechanical musical instruments which were so popular 100 and more years ago, often coin-operated. The museum's largest exhibit came in 1972, which saw the arrival of the Wurlitzer from the Regal/ABC, Kingston upon Thames which, after overhaul and installation, was provided with a Wurlitzer roll-playing unit acquired from Stanford Hall, Loughborough in 1965. Not surprisingly, the collection outgrew it premises, but a major problem was the damp atmosphere of the church, damp being the main enemy of delicate pneumatic actions and old paper rolls.
New purpose-built museum premises were obviously needed, and after several years of planning and construction the new Musical Museum was officially opened on 9th June. Only about 200 yards from the church, it is at 399 High Street. In its specious setting the many types of instruments can be displayed to advantage, while upstairs is the auditorium which houses the Wurlitzer, the console on a lift and with the illuminated sides in place. These were added when Union Cinemas acquired the Regal. Richard Cole demonstrated the Wurlitzer with appropriate music, the Mayor of Hounslow and representatives from the Heritage Lottery Fund were present, and the guest of honour was Sir Christopher Frayling, Chairman of the Arts Council, who is a great grandson of Daniel Imhof. His firm of Imhof & Mukle built orchestrions and similar musical instruments, some of which are to be found at the museum. The name continued to be associated with the world of music through the firm Alfred Imhof, Ltd. one of London's most renowned retailers of classical gramophone records.
The official reopening of the Wurlitzer is planned to take place on October 25th with Richard Hills and David Shepherd. Tickets need to be booked in advance.