Pipe Organ 1840 - 1860

This pipe organ was crafted by Richard M. Ferris in the mid-19th century, primarily from wood, with accents in metal and fabric. The choice of rosewood for the case speaks to the elaborate tastes of the time, its dense grain requiring careful labor to work and polish. Notice how the wood has been crafted, with carved details showing hand-tooling. The organ's design blends the robust aesthetic with the finesse of skilled joinery. The metal pipes, carefully tuned, represent another layer of skilled work. The fabric behind them adds a softening effect, contrasting with the solid wood. The organ has a keyboard and foot pedals, creating a complex interaction between performer and instrument. All of these features demonstrate that the making of this object would have involved intense labor and craftsmanship, tying it to the social context of its time.