The Wanamaker Organ
The Wanamaker Organ, the world’s largest playable pipe organ, is located in the historic Grand Court of the former Wanamaker’s (now Macy’s) in Center City, Philadelphia. It was originally designed in 1904 by architect George Ashdown Audsley for the St. Louis World’s Fair.
EverGreene was instrumental in the restoration and regilding the grand organ case and 117 gold pipes. Our conservators initially performed a finishes analysis to verify the placement of gold, presence and placement of glazing, and the original base color. Ultimately the colors chosen for case and glazing were not original case colors. The design team made this decision because over the years all the original surrounding colors had changed. EverGreene chose a color scheme that worked in harmony with the current surrounding area. The gold pipes were removed and leafed with 22 karat gold.
Additionally, EverGreene conservators conducted an on-site latex cleaning and detailed treatment of the famous bronze eagle, the iconic Grand Court meeting spot.
