The John Wellingham Organ Studies Library
The John Wellingham Organ Studies Library at Jesus College collects organ repertoire and supporting literature on history, theory, and technique of organ music, for the use of organ scholars in the University of Oxford.
The Library consists of well-edited, relatively recently published volumes of organ music, mainly from the eighteenth century and before. Housed in Jesus College, it is available to all organ scholars, with the idea that students can take volumes of music to try out on the fine Drake organ in Jesus Chapel.
The library has been created with funds donated in tribute to John Wellingham, who for many years taught and inspired Organ Scholars at Oxford and Cambridge about early repertoire and the touch needed to get the most musical response from tracker-action organs. In recognition of John Wellingham’s influential teaching, several volumes have been donated by his great friend and colleague, Christopher Hogwood.
Access Arrangements
To gain access to the library, first email the Chaplain of Jesus College (currently the Rev'd Dr Chris Dingwall-Jones) to book a time in the chapel and to be added to the list of people who can borrow the keys to the organ and the library cupboards.
On arrival at the college, collect the keys from the lodge and make your way to the chapel, on the right hand side of First Quad. Please follow whatever instructions you are given relating to the keys.
The cupboards containing the library are immediately on your right as you enter the antechapel. The left shelves store volumes of works by a single composer, while those on the right have the anthologies, journals, and books.
The full contents of the library are on the SOLO catalogue, but there is a printed copy of the holdings list in the cupboards.
The most important idea behind the library is that you can take the music straight up to the organ and get to know it on a sympathetic and sensitive instrument.
To turn the organ on, the key-operated power switch can be found on the side of the organ against the back wall of the chapel at the top of the organ loft stairs.
Should you wish to borrow an item from the library, permission must be sought from the Jesus College Librarian, Owen McKnight, who will also be able to advise about photocopying if required.
Once you have finished and turned the organ off, return the books to their correct places on the shelves, and — having ensured that the bolts inside the left of each pair of doors are secure — lock the cupboards. Unless otherwise instructed by the porters, return the keys to the lodge.
Further information about the library can be obtained from Dr Alex Flood.
