Work to save Wells Cathedral’s Grand Organ to start this Month

Scaffolding will go up around Wells Cathedral’s organ this January marking the start of a two-year, multi-million-pound rescue project to save one of the cathedral’s most treasured features.

Its famous Grand Organ will be dismantled and sent hundreds of miles away for major restoration after experts warned it was on the brink of “imminent catastrophic failure.’

All 5,000 pipes will be taken out for repair, cleaning or replacement, along with a full rebuild of the console, pedals and stops.

The upgrade is also designed to improve the organ’s performance at big civic occasions, carol services, celebrations and Evensong, and will come as a relief to organists at the cathedral, who have been forced to use their skills to creatively cover up the instrument’s shortcomings when performing during services and recitals.

A special farewell concert took place in December when Director of Music Tim Parsons performed Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur. He plans to play the same piece again when the restored organ returns in late 2027.

The refurb is expected to cost £3m and the project has already secured almost £2 million thanks to the Friends of Wells Cathedral’s Grand Organ Appeal.

Specialist firm Harrison & Harrison has been appointed, continuing a centuries-long legacy of organ building and rebuilds at Wells.

Chair Michael Hopkins said:

“The Grand Organ is at the heart of the outstanding quality of music of Wells Cathedral. 

‘The Friends of Wells Cathedral have supported the maintenance of the instrument over many decades, and when approached by the cathedral to raise funds for a full refurbishment, we agreed to take up the challenge and we are grateful to all who have contributed to the fundraising to date, approaching £2 million through monies raised and future pledges.”

But with the total cost expected to reach £3 million, there is still a £1 million gap.

The Very Reverend Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, said,

‘The Grand Organ is not merely an instrument, but the living breath of Wells, binding past, present and future together in song. So of course, we are excited and relieved to begin this critical project, and we are hugely grateful for the generosity of everyone who has made this start possible.

‘But our work is not finished. We still need to raise a further £1m if we are to complete the refurbishment and save something that is absolutely central to this place and to our community.”

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