Carving workshop

The restoration of

St Paul's Church pipe organ case in Deptford, London, by Griffin in 1745

St Paul’s Deptford church in London, 1745 organ case restoration, before repairs , Laurent Robert woodcarver

The organ case was supplied by Thomas Griffin, a merchant, in around 1745. He worked alongside three other organ builders: John Byfield, Abraham Jordan and Richard Bridge (who built his masterpiece in Christ Church Spitalfields).

St Paul’s Deptford church in London, 1745 organ case restoration, pipe organ restored, Laurent Robert woodcarver

The new pipe organ with the 1745 organ case and front pipes, John Wellingham performs at the console. Picture courtesy of JB.

St Paul’s Deptford church in London, 1745 organ case restoration, Laurent Robert woodcarver removing varnish from serpentine trophy panel

The carved musical trophy under restoration process: many layers of varnish were carefully removed from the precious mahogany. The varnish had effectively protected the wood for many years from exposure to air , dirt and soot. 

St Paul’s Deptford church in London, 1745 organ case restoration, pipe organ case reassembly in church, Laurent Robert woodcarver

Rebuilding of the double serpentine organ case made entirely of mahogany.

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