The History of HAMMOND
The inventor of electronic organs, Laurens Hammond (1895–1973), was an American engineer and entrepreneur. Hammond's interest in technology emerged early in his childhood. During several years spent in Europe with his mother, he even presented his ideas to Renault automobile manufacturers as a teenager. At 17, he obtained his first patent for a self-designed barometer. After graduating with honors in mechanical engineering and gaining resilience during World War I, Hammond invented a new type of silent clock in 1920. This invention eventually led to the establishment of his own clock manufacturing company in Chicago.
Hammond was indeed a remarkable personality with a broad perspective. He spoke English, French, and German, was an active businessman, and a creative engineer. His work extended to synchronous motors, gyroscopes, various military weapons, and even the creation of an original device—a bridge-playing electric table.
Although Hammond was not a musician, he enjoyed experimenting with different sound generation methods. This passion led to the creation of the sensational electric organ, which he patented in 1934. Among the first to recognize his invention were Henry Ford, the "father of the assembly line," and composer George Gershwin.
In just three years, HAMMOND organs became known in Latvia as well. In 1937, the State Electrotechnical Factory (VEF) began producing these electric organs, incorporating local wood for finishes and a unique design by artist and designer Ādolfs Irbīte. Irbīte had a distinctive design style that combined simplicity, functionality, and an impeccable sense of aesthetics. This was appreciated not only by users of his radio designs but also by professionals—his VEF radio designs won Grand Prix and gold medals at World Exhibitions in Paris and Brussels. The VEF-manufactured organs became highly sought after in Latvia.
