The 1910 Hopkins of York/1982 Hawkins of Lichfield organ, St Margaret's Church, Garden Village, Wrexham
This was the first organ Chris ever played (c.1980 -- in its original form) and it has an extra-special place in his heart. He witnessed its rebuilding in 1982 (kindling his nascent interest in organ design) and practised on it regularly in its current form, as well as in its original state. He continues to regard it as a very fine instrument.
The organ was originally free-standing. It was located in the (liturgical) south-west corner of the (liturgical) south aisle of the church, facing into the nave with the console placed centrally beneath the façade. This symmetrical arrangement was very handsome, especially since the panels on either side of the console are of higher quality than the panels that were originally along the sides. The façade pipes were dark grey with the bay leaf mouths and the ears gilded.
When the organ was enlarged, more space was required for the additional pedal stops and it was felt desirable that the organist should be nearer the choir in the chancel. The organ was therefore relocated to the (liturgical) eastern end of the south aisle. The console was placed within an arch with a screen of wood and fabric above. The façade (the pipes of which belong to the Open Diapason and still speak) was placed on the side of the organ, facing (liturgical) west), and had to be trimmed to make it narrow enough to fit between the arcade and the south wall. The former side panels were used beneath the façade but (sadly) the arrangement of them is not symmetrical, lessening the visual effect. The façade pipes were sprayed gold, brightening the appearance of the instrument.
The changes to the stop list that were made in 1982 were a massive improvement. The organ was second-hand when installed in St Margaret's and, in its original form, was under-powered for the building and lacking in upper-work. The new Mixtures, enlarged pedal division, and other changes to the stop list give it a powerful presence and great musical versatility. In a nutshell: it's lovely to play (it has mechanical action) and sound gorgeous.
Click HERE for the link to the National Pipe Organ Register.
The organ was originally free-standing. It was located in the (liturgical) south-west corner of the (liturgical) south aisle of the church, facing into the nave with the console placed centrally beneath the façade. This symmetrical arrangement was very handsome, especially since the panels on either side of the console are of higher quality than the panels that were originally along the sides. The façade pipes were dark grey with the bay leaf mouths and the ears gilded.
When the organ was enlarged, more space was required for the additional pedal stops and it was felt desirable that the organist should be nearer the choir in the chancel. The organ was therefore relocated to the (liturgical) eastern end of the south aisle. The console was placed within an arch with a screen of wood and fabric above. The façade (the pipes of which belong to the Open Diapason and still speak) was placed on the side of the organ, facing (liturgical) west), and had to be trimmed to make it narrow enough to fit between the arcade and the south wall. The former side panels were used beneath the façade but (sadly) the arrangement of them is not symmetrical, lessening the visual effect. The façade pipes were sprayed gold, brightening the appearance of the instrument.
The changes to the stop list that were made in 1982 were a massive improvement. The organ was second-hand when installed in St Margaret's and, in its original form, was under-powered for the building and lacking in upper-work. The new Mixtures, enlarged pedal division, and other changes to the stop list give it a powerful presence and great musical versatility. In a nutshell: it's lovely to play (it has mechanical action) and sound gorgeous.
Click HERE for the link to the National Pipe Organ Register.
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