The Revd Andrew Freeman photographic collection (1895 – 1946) has been given to The British Institute of Organ Studies (BIOS). They say’ A valuable and unique collection of photographs of organ-cases has been given to the British Organ Archive by the Freeman family. The fragile glass-plate negatives have now been copied electronically on to disk enabling copies to be made as appropriate for research purposes. The work was made possible partly by generous donations from members of the Freeman family in Cheltenham, USA and Canada. Andrew Freeman often included two views of each organ in his collection – some from exactly the same position. The English images were collected between 1895 and 1946 and, although some of the earlier negatives may have deteriorated over the years, most are in excellent condition producing prints of sharp and clear detail. The images collected on Freeman’s Continental “Organ Tours” have also been listed but the locations have not yet been matched exactly with the Journals that he produced for each tour. These Journals can also be viewed at the British Organ Archive by appointment’.
Prints are available and images on CD but it appears no licensing details are in place…. an opportunity?!
The British Institute of Organ Studies (BIOS) exists to encourage and promote the study of the pipe organ, its history and design, and to increase appreciation and understanding of its music by both organists and the general public
