Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
The 1962 Æolian-Skinner in Alice Millar Chapel (the Charles W. Spofford and Beulah Merville Spofford organ) is one of the firm's more unusual projects. The casework, designed by Chapel architect Edward Grey Halstead, combines three threads of emerging 1960s organ architecture: exposed pipework, 'reflector' boxes, and an appreciation of 'werk' enclosures. The pivotal role of Grigg Fountain produced a stoplist that anticipated neo-Romantic desires three decades ahead of today's interests.
A joint consultation with Jeff Weiler in April 2002 focused on establishing the organ's unique historical context, both visually and tonally; documenting existing conditions; and submitting a report of recommendations for future restoration and care.
Dean Christian and Alan Erickson maintain the instrument and are engaged with its ongoing mechanical restoration.
|