Ernest M. Skinner: Encyclopedia II - Ernest M. Skinner - Early career

Ernest M. Skinner - Early career

At the age of twenty-seven, Ernest was credited with devising a windchest with a singular pocket for each note of each stop. This particular invention made its debut at Saint Bartholomew's Church in New York City in 1893, but wasn't patented until 1895. Following his successes in New York City, Skinner followed through in a tour de force that included multiple trips to England. Within these trips, Ernest perfected his designs for the American versions of tone and pitch, by carefully studying the work of lifelong mentor and short-lived business partner, Robert Hope-Jones. This fascination with the English design would prove both fruitful and eventful in Skinner's later life as the premiere master builder. Finally, in 1905 Ernest M. Skinner & Company was founded in Dorchester, Massachusetts- setting the stage for arguably the finest organ design and construction in the Edwardian era.

By 1906, Skinner had successfully launched into his defining role. By capturing a contract with the cathedral campus of St. John the Divine in New York City, his most recent conquests of four manual organs for other notable parties and diocese, were viewed in contrast as David approaching the mounting Goliath. In comparison to the Spreckels organ of 1923, affectionately referred to as his Bolton period- in which cast iron reeds and darker schemes emerged, provides an excellent timeline in the crescendo of Skinner's work.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Early career", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki