"I've never seen an organ look that looked like that..." That's one of the comments we've heard. We've also heard, "Wow, that's so pretty...” Frankly we like the demonstrative comments, and when they are positive we like them a lot better. "Painted" decorative pipe organ facades - more properly called "stenciled facades" were common on American organs of the mid to late nineteenth centuries. Part of U-R's commitment to historical restoration of pipe organs includes the refurbishing of these magnificent and often intricate works of art. The practice of stenciling or painting designs on organ facades grew out of the folk art practice of stenciling popular in the 19th century - especially, but not limited to the Victorian era. As a result, traditional stenciled facades display a proliferation of teal, hunter green, and ruddy brown - all eminently popular "decorator" colors of the mid to late nineteenth century. The American tradition of stenciling organ pipes may be a kind of reaction to the elaborately embossed organ pipes prevalent on the most elaborate eighteenth century European organs. As part of its commitment to historical restoration, Universal Restorations endeavors to return these magnificent examples of folk-art their original glory. In addition, U-R creates historical reproductions and "re-imaginings" to suit the venue and taste of the client. In an effort to remain "true to the period,” Universal Restorations makes every attempt to utilize materials that were available in the 19th century for our restorative work and historical reproductions. Base colors are painted with Tempera and a thin coat of shellac is applied for durability. Filigree is in gold leaf. Modern "re-imaginings" - facades that are inspired by, but not necessarily authentic to the nineteenth century are typically painted with polyurethane base paint for maximum longevity and variety of hue and shade. We believe that gold leaf still provides the most brilliant contrast, but high quality gold paints may be utilized as a cost saving measure, still with satisfactory results. We welcome your questions, comments, or inquiries regarding stenciled facades.