FDA-A.79-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-A.79-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
Snetzler Chamber Organ
Description
Early George III Snetzler chamber organ
Comments
'The organ built by Snetzler (1760), which was originally in Buckingham Palace and which was given to Eton in 1926, has been removed from Election Hall, and kindly lent by the Provost and Fellows for use at College Prayers in Lower School. It has been cleaned by Messrs. Harrison and Harrison of Durham, and an electric blowing apparatus has been installed.'
['Music', Eton College Chronicle, No. 2462, Thursday, July 7, 1938, p.579]
['Music', Eton College Chronicle, No. 2462, Thursday, July 7, 1938, p.579]
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 2850mm
width (actual size): 1500mm
depth (actual size): 1020mm
width (actual size): 1500mm
depth (actual size): 1020mm
Inscription
A typed label on the organ reads: 'This organ was built by the famous German organ / builder, Snetzler, in 1760 for George III., and / given by him to his daughter, Princess Amelia. It / was at Buckingham Palace until 1820 when it / was bought by Lord Egremont and taken to Somerset. It / was lent to the Church of St.Decuman, near Watchet, / and presented to Eton in 1926 by Mr. W. Wyndham, of / Orchard Wyndham, Somerset, and placed in Election / Hall...'
Material
mahogany
Physical description
4½ octaves and eleven stops
Broken scrolling pediment carved with gadrooning
Central foliate vase and a panelled front gilt with false organ pipes and pierced with scrolling foliage
Fall-flap carved with paterae and berried foliate swags
Panelled base with conforming decoration with panelled sides
Broken scrolling pediment carved with gadrooning
Central foliate vase and a panelled front gilt with false organ pipes and pierced with scrolling foliage
Fall-flap carved with paterae and berried foliate swags
Panelled base with conforming decoration with panelled sides
Style
George III
Production
Person
Date
18th century
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Built for George III; by whom presented to his daughter, Princess Amelia (located at Buckingham Palace); purchased by George Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont (1751-1837) in 1820 (relocated to Somerset); presented to Eton College by Mr W. Wyndham in 1926
References
• Eton College Chronicle ('Music', Eton College Chronicle, No. 2462, Thursday, July 7, 1938, p.579)
