Further details

The initial discovery

Please join us for a talk about the incredible provenance of one of the rarest organs in Europe, currently sitting dusty and silent at the back of our chapel.  We all assumed it was a Victorian instrument until we invited in Dr William McVicker to carry out a condition survey.

He was very surprised when he opened the organ desk and couldn't quite believe what he was seeing. Following a little research we discovered that it had been built specifically for the Society of the Sacred Heart by Hippolyte Loret who then installed it at their headquarters site in Paris in 1861.  The organ was later dismanted by the nuns and quietly shipped to England in 1904, to save it from being forcibly seized and sold by the French Government.

This illustrated talk provides a context as to why and how that happened  

After an introduction to the organ itself and to the heroine of our story, Mother Mabel Digby, there follows a review of the political context of post revolution France. This traces the growth of anti-clericalism up to the crisis of 1904 when politicians granted themselves the power to seize the property and assets of teaching congregations.

The talk considers the motives of those involved, and Mother Digby's thoughts about her oppressor.  We get a fascinating glimpse into what actually happened when she squared up, face to face, with the group of bowler-hatted gentleman who arrived to start listing and valuing the Society's possessions.

We hear how long the nuns held out, and about the international scandal relating to their abandoned chapel.

Finally we hear what has happened to the other organs that the Society saved.  

On another occassion once our own organ is restored, we can extend this talk with a live experience of listening to its unique sound quality and special features! 

The story of this Sacred Heart pipe organ has been picked up by Whistledown Productions who are now developing a 44-minute programme. 

With drinks afterwards and an exhibition and an opportunity to see the organ and 130m of cloister wall paintings of the Life of Christ.  We are keen to share this story with local residents and interest groups as much as with our school community. 

Tickets £12, include refreshments

Any booking problems, just email comms@sacredh.lbhf.sch.uk and we can resolve it.