by Gary Tollerfield
The pretty mahogany organ case shown on the front cover of the Journal will be found in Icklesham Parish Church, Sussex, the organ having been moved in the mid 19th century from Rye.
As is often seen, only part of the organ case remains, (essentially the front display and corniced towers), as originally the joinery would have totally encased the organ, hence the term “organ case” we use today. Being built of mahogany with some nice carving, particularly under the central tower, this organ may well have started its life as a domestic instrument.
From the three tower case design, the organ would seem likely to date from the latter part of the 18th century or perhaps early in the 19th, the somewhat mean fret-cut pipe shades suggest later rather than earlier and perhaps a need to save cost. Compare the richness of the carving on the 1727 Shreider case now at Shoreham (Kent) and featured as the front cover of the August 2004 Journal.
The front pipes do speak and are probably the originals, although not now speaking as part of the rebuilt organ, which is a pity. They would surely produce a gentility of tone consistent with the delightful appearance of this little classical case.