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Encompassing organs of all periods and types of mechanism, the term Historic Restoration is used here specifically to describe work which deliberately avoids alteration of existing instruments tonally or mechanically, except in the context of a carefully researched and documented return to a specific earlier state. On occasion such a return may involve a degree of conjecture, based upon surviving contemporary material or documentation, and using appropriate materials or techniques. Projects which gain accreditation in this category will normally have involved: a) an initial written report with justification of the approach to be taken; b) a written and photographic record of what is done; and c) a final written report on the completed work.
Where renewal or repair of worn components is unavoidable, then materials, techniques and surface finishes as close as possible to the originals will be used. Practices such as unnecessary repainting and polishing of surfaces, avoidable substitution of modern materials for old, alteration of sound or of pitch, and so on will not qualify as Historic Restoration.
Although certain builders specialise in particular periods, these criteria are applied here equally whether in relation to ancient organs, 19th-century mechanical or tubular-pneumatic instruments, or organs of the 20th century with electric or electro-pneumatic action.
Builders accredited in Historic Restoration will have submitted examples for inspection which meet these criteria, though the diverse nature of some builders' work may mean that they also undertake projects which do not fall into this category. Builders accredited in this category should make clear, in every proposal, the rationale of the work that is proposed.
There are seven main sections required to be inspected to succeed in this category. The significance of the details within each is that, while examples of workmanship may have been witnessed over and above, in every case these items will have been inspected as a minimum requirement within this category. A specific difference in this category is the requirement to demonstrate the mindset, through documentation, behind the work inspected.
The Workshop
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General
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Documentation of Work
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Casework
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Tuning and Speech
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At the Console
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Instrument Interior
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