Wells Cathedral – Organ Refurbishment

The Grand Organ at Wells Cathedral has set off on its journey 300 miles north for a major £3m rescue project.

Nearly 4,000 pipes – along with wind reservoirs, electrical systems and console – were carefully removed and packed into 60 crates and sent on their way to the Durham workshop of organ builders, Harrison & Harrison for refurbishment after experts warned it was on the brink of “imminent catastrophic failure.’

Although last rebuilt in the 1970s, the foundations of the current Grand Organ were established in the 1850s.

The restorers at Harrison & Harrison plan to preserve as much as possible of the organ’s heritage. The company’s Managing Director, Andrew Scott, explained:

“We will be making careful use of much of the existing organ’s pipework, while replacing the worn mechanism and making it easier to maintain, alongside introducing some modern playing aids at the console to enhance the instrument’s versatility.”

Not all the organ’s pipes are to be taken to Durham. For both aesthetic and practical reasons, the largest pipes – which are about five metres in length and visible from the cathedral’s nave – will remain in place to be restored onsite.

The parts are expected to remain with Harrison & Harrison until summer 2027, before returning to Wells to be reinstalled.

A temporary Viscount Regent 356-D organ has been installed and Carolyn Craig, Assistant Director of Music at Wells Cathedral, said:

“It’s a relief to play an instrument that works, and it’s great fun playing with the many sounds available, but no digital instrument can replace the body and presence of our Grand Organ. We can’t wait to have it back!”

The project has been supported by The Friends of Wells Cathedral charity, by The Vinehill Trust and other generous donors.

To find out more and donate to the Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Appeal, visit the Friends of Wells Cathedral website here.

Trusts, foundations and individuals wishing to find out more about the project can also contact Wells Cathedral’s fundraising team at fundraiser@wellscathedral.org.uk

Photo credit – Wells Cathedral