a mechanical organ collector
There is something rather unique about us as humans that unites us all in our own special way. It could also be deemed as us being somewhat of an obsessive race. What am I referring to? The hobby that is “collecting” If you want to own it, I guess you’ll collect it. Regardless of what you choose to collect we often come across someone, and in this case its Ian, that collects something you’d never think of collecting before. In his case, its mechanical organs!
I arrived at Ian’s to hear one of his organs playing inside his big green barn which houses his vast collection. I was greeted by Ian to that classic mechanical organ sound you’d generally hear at a fairground, fete or perhaps a large European Christmas market. Ian’s barn was packed to the hilt with all things organ related to include a huge collection of perforated cardboard book music.These are the books which are fed into the internal aspects of the organ to play the music. Each one is different to the last and has their own little tune.
So, how does one start collecting then? Well, like everyone else does I guess. You buy one and the rest follow. I asked Ian the question,“Music has always been in the family, going back to my grandparents, which included playing the piano and organ. I first became interested in mechanical music in the mid 90's and that lead the curiosity as to how these large and small organs played and worked” From there, Ian made his first purchase and then began the process of his current extensive collection which to date has amassed over 14 different ones. Thats what 30 years as a collector does for you when you become so passionate about something.
Would I class Ian as a prolific collector of all things, oh yes, but his main love clearly is his mechanical organs. He’s so knowledgeable on that front. So where could one see or perhaps hear Ians organs in all of their splendor? Well, he take’s his organs to local fetes and vintage shows all over the country. His purpose built green storage barn is also an area where visitors can come and enjoy his collection and have the opportunity to play the organs and see how they all work. A little shrine one might say….
Thank you for your time Ian and enlightening me into the world of mechanical organs!
