Showing results by author "Thomas Dallam" in All Categories

Queen Elizabeth the First of England, the Grand Turk at Constantinople, and an organ builder named Thomas Dallam—quite a trio. In 1599, Elizabeth commanded master organ builder Dallam to construct and deliver to the Grand Signieur , as a present intended to garner trade and political advantages for England, a fantastic mechanical organ. Dallam’s wonder stood 16 feet high and was topped by a silver holly bush filled with blackbirds and thrushes that sung and shook their wings. Dallam kept a diary during his visit to Turkey, which included a sneak look through a grate at the Grand Turk’s ...

Journey back to 1599, as we follow the extraordinary tale of Thomas Dallam, a master organ builder on an extraordinary mission from Queen Elizabeth the First. Assigned to construct and deliver a majestic 16 foot high mechanical organ to the Grand Signieur in Constantinople, Dallams adventure was a fascinating mix of diplomacy, trade, and intrigue. The organ, a marvel of its time, was topped with a silver holly bush housing mechanical blackbirds and thrushes that sang and fluttered their wings. Dallams narrative also offers a rare glimpse into the exotic world of the Grand Turks harem, a sight ...