In 1961 the Museum’s late founder, Albert Reed, purchased an instrument that would spark a lifelong passion for mechanical music: a 47-key Marenghi. That instrument now resides in a private collection elsewhere in the UK. In May 2026, to celebrate what would have been Mr Reed’s centenary year, the Museum was able to acquire a contemporary instrument; some of its known history is reported below.

Photographs from the Amersham Fair Organ Museum collection.

Tonal design and construction techniques indicate the organ exhibited today dates from the earliest years of Marenghi’s output (1902-1908); the signature #2000 series serial number is yet to be found. It spent its working life on the fairgrounds of Paris, as part of a marine-themed juvenile carousel. Evidently a faithful workhorse for its owners, the organ received significant maintenance work from Saint Denis based organ Builder Pilverdier in September 1928 (left).

Of particular interest to musical historians is its repertoire of cardboard music – a unique mix of material from arrangers including Marenghi, Gaudin, Limonaire, Pellevoisin, and Nidelisse. All these books were acquired by the instrument during its working life and offer valuable insight into the musical tastes of the period.

Preservation

The organ was acquired in derelict condition in the 1990s by preservationist René Cauche from the south of France; the instrument, art-nouveau façade and music had become recently separated and initially only the central organ case remained. Cauche immediately took the Marenghi home, returning it to Paris. With passion and dedication he set about reuniting the three elements before they became lost to history.

First the façade, which was now in the hands of an art dealer; some of the panels were missing entirely, but these were replicated from material that remained. There is some speculation that the façade came from Limonaire – the drum mechanisms that accompany it certainly are – what is certain, however, is that the frontage had been associated with the organ during its working life.

Next, the music library, which was traced back to the last known owner’s family. After a few months of negotiation these were reunited with the organ – everything was together again!

Cauche’s comprehensive restoration of the Marenghi concluded in the early 2000s. The instrument subsequently went to collector Philippe Carlier, then through various hands, before finding its way to the Amersham Fair Organ Museum. It is currently on static display, awaiting necessary restoration work. Further information, and recordings, to follow soon.

With special thanks to Vincent Thébault and Yves Roussel of the Association des Amis des Instruments et de la Musique Mécanique (AAIMM), and Björn Isebaert for their help and assistance in compiling this text.