Renn, Samuel

views updated

Renn, Samuel (b Kedleston, Derbyshire, 1786; d Manchester, 1845). Eng. organ-builder. Apprenticed c.1800 to his uncle James Davis and became his foreman 1808, supervising many installations. On Davis's retirement, Renn took over his Lancashire business and traded as Renn & Boston. Built 100 organs 1822–45. By standardizing dimensions of pipes etc., he reduced costs. Built Chester Cath. organ 1829 and St Philip's, Salford. His nephew James Kirtland took over business when Renn died, being joined in 1846 by F. W. Jardine. The title Jardine & Co. was adopted 1867 and the firm survived until 1976.

More From encyclopedia.com