John Avery

John Avery (c. 1738–1808) was one of the main organ builders in England during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Life Avery was mainly based in London. He had a reputation as a colourful character, occasionally falling foul of the law, being declared bankrupt in 1775 and again in 1801, and having a reputation as a 'shocking drunken character'. Despite this he was responsible for some important organs, including those in King's College, Cambridge and Winchester Cathedral. He appeared at the Old Bailey as a witness in two trials in 1797: on 12 July 1797 in the trial of Henry Gray, who was accused of stealing a handkerchief from Avery's pocket. on 20 September 1797 in the trial of Joseph Robson, who was accused of stealing Avery's tools. One of his apprentices, Alexander Buckingham, went on to work with Thomas Elliot before becoming an independent organ builder.