Tickell organ at St John's Chapel, Leatherhead

[ardcarp]

As used at CE today:

http://www.tickell-organs.co.uk/Leatherhead.htm

[mercia]

hence the expression 'to tickell the ivories' I suppose

I wonder what the origins of the word 'furniture' or 'fourniture' are in this context

[ardcarp]

'Fourniture' to an organ-builder is a bright mixture, so called I guess because it 'furnishes' the principal chorus with the high harmonics. Just my surmise.

Kenneth Tickell sadly died recently, though I think the firm he founded is continuing in business.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11019037/Ken-Tickell-obituary.html

[Roger Judd]

Yes, it absolutely is still in business. His widow and daughter are managing the firm, and the brilliant craftspeople he drew around him carry on his work. They are presently building a new instrument for Manchester Cathedral.
RJ