Instruments

1928 · 58476 — Leyton UK: R. Spurden Rutt 7 Co. ca. 1928. Oblong 4to. 16 pp. Photo illustrations throughout. Black printed softcovers gilt decorative lettering on front cover yapp edges NF. First edition of this unusually scarce catalogue marketing the several models of Spurden-Rutt’s electric Organestra pipe organ intending to compete with Compton Wurlitzer & Christie organs. The Palace Cinema Slough Theatre in Buckinghamshire and Super Cinema in Oxford had ordered models by the time this was issued and they provided an exceptional accompaniment to the silent movies playing at the time. Spurden-Rutt 1881-1960 apprenticed with Alfred Kirkland of Holloway opened his business in 1899 at the age of 18 and lived in his factory with his living room doubling as a board room. In order to impress clients and visitors with how many staff he would have them run around removing and changing coats appearing in assorted different rooms. He continued as an organ builder until 1959. No copies in Worldcat; See: Ian Dalgliesh Cinema Organ News from Great Britain Theatre Organ; Organ Could Hit the Right Note at Ewbanks Antique Collecting Magazine Nov. 19 2015. R. Spurden Rutt 7 Co., paperback