Two church organs among instruments found in GP's living room going under auction

An auction of musical instruments is to take place after an incredible find at a private address.
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Auctioneer Giles Hodges, of Boldon Auction Galleries, was invited to the home of Dr Ian Brunt after being told there were items to collect for a later sale.

Dr Brunt was a popular GP until he sadly passed away at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle on January 21, aged just 58. He had suffered a long-term illness.

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But in addition to being a doctor, he was also a composer and an accomplished musician on a variety of instruments, including piano and flute.

The auction will be conducted virtually at 10am on Wednesday, March 24.The auction will be conducted virtually at 10am on Wednesday, March 24.
The auction will be conducted virtually at 10am on Wednesday, March 24.

He was also very well known as a church organist and owned an array of musical instruments which he kept at his home.

Giles had no idea just how large and varied the collection was until he arrived at Dr Brunt’s address in Lanchester, County Durham.

There in the living room, he found two large church organs, six harpsichords and seven grand pianos - two of which are square grands, “numerous” Northumbrian pipes, recorders, guitars, oboes and more.

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The largest church organ was built in 1991 and is around 10feet-high with estimates for auction up to £800. It is electric and made mainly from oak. But the pianos are much older.

This magnificent church organ was among the musical instruments found in a doctor's living room.This magnificent church organ was among the musical instruments found in a doctor's living room.
This magnificent church organ was among the musical instruments found in a doctor's living room.

A John Broadwood and Sons, London, mahogany square piano dates from the 1820s, Bidders will be interested to note the estimated price of up to £300.

Not surprisingly, Dr Brunt lived in a large house. Giles had no idea just how extensive his collection of musical instruments was, until he arrived at the musician’s home and was amazed by what he saw.

Giles said: “We certainly didn’t expect to find anything quite like this. The biggest church organ is huge.

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“There was a plethora of harpsichords and pianos, all stacked together. Then there were all the other items.

This 1820s piano was another find.This 1820s piano was another find.
This 1820s piano was another find.

“To say I was surprised is putting it mildly. But it was a good surprise and hopefully there will be a lot of interest at the online auction. This is certainly an interesting job.”

The auction will be conducted virtually at 10am on Wednesday, March 24. For more information, visit the Boldon Auction Galleries website.

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