Gierle, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, 2026

The instrument was handcrafted by the firm Jos Stevens from Duffel in 1891 and consisted of a two-manual instrument with an attached pedal. The organ was placed in the niche on the right side of the gallery. The console was positioned in the lower cabinet.

Around 1925, the organ was expanded with a pedal in the niche on the left side of the gallery. At the same time, the console was moved to the center of the gallery. The mechanical action to both manuals was modified. The new pedal windchest for the Subbass 16’ and the Bombarde 16’ was fitted with pneumatic action. An electric fan was also installed at that time so that manual pumping was no longer necessary.

The original organ, located in the right organ chamber, is relatively well preserved; much of the original pipework, windchests, and mechanical action are still present. The original wind supply, featuring a large double-fold reservoir bellows and two feeder bellows underneath, is also still present. From the reservoir bellows, the playing wind is guided through wooden wind channels to the two bellows near the wind chests of the first and second manual.

Wind supply

The wind supply is being restored. The leather is torn, the channels are infested with woodworm, connections are leaking, and the wind regulation is broken.

Wind ducts

Wind duct are completely cleaned so they can be treated against woodworm. New connections are made and the wind ducts are covered with paper again.

Bellows

There are two single fold bellows with regulation valves, each for one manual. The leather and linnen is completely renewd.

Main bellow

The main bellow has two folds and two feeder bellows. The main bellow is taken apart and all the leather and linnen is completely renewed. The feeder bellows are repaired and the gussets are renewed.

Installation of the restored windsupply

The bellows and windducts are installed.