Crichton's No1 Bioscope Organ

At The 1902 Showman's Fairground Exhibition at Alexandra Palace, London, Mr. James Crichton purchased an 89 Key Gavioli Organ built in Paris by Gavioli, for use in his Number 1 Bio-Scope Show which toured the North West of England entertaining the public at Fairgrounds and Shows for many years. With the passing away of Mr. Crichton, the Organ was put into storage at his yard in Birkenhead. There it lay protected for many years including during the war covered with corrugated iron to protect it from the Blitz.

One morning in 1946 whilst at breakfast with his parents, Herbert Silcock then aged 20, was asked by his Father what he had planned for the day. He told his Father that he was going to look at purchasing an Organ from Birkenhead. His Father insisted that he went along with him. On reaching the yard, Mrs Crichton showed Herbert and his Father the Organ for sale. Herbert's Father had a memory lane conversation whilst Herbert inspected the Organ.

More>>

Gavioli Organs
Over the years Mr Silcock Senior has built up a collection Organs which he calls his 3 Delights.

Waldkirch Organ
This 89 Key Gavioli G4 Organ was purchased from a museum in Waldkirch in the Black Forest of Germany.

Emerson's Organ
This 65 Key Gavioli was recommended to Mr Silcock's father by the firm Wright & Holmes.