Harmonium stool
Mason & Hamlin
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
circa 1880
Materials
Acacia tbc (mahogany)
Place of origin
United States
Collection
The Workhouse, Southwell, Nottinghamshire
NT 493210.2
Summary
Mason & Hamlin wooden harmonium or reed organ stool.
Provenance
Gifted with the harmonium to which it belongs, made by Mason & Hamlin in the late 19th century. It is unclear if the instrument was purchased for the Workhouse at this point or as late as 1916. There is reference to a harmonium being purchased from a Mrs Earle for £3 3 shillings in February 1884. This Mason & Hamlin harmonium was in use in the Committee Room in the 1930s. It was rescued from Greet House in 1980 by Mr John Howells. Donated as a gift to the Workhouse by Mr John Howells in May 2001. Research from the Guardians meeting minutes shows that: 16.06.1905 - The Master reported that (Mrs Earle's) harmonium was worn out 14.07.1905 - The harmonium was repaired at a cost of £1-5-0 11.2.1916 - A new organ was purchased at a cost of £8-7-6
Makers and roles
Mason & Hamlin, maker