Wells Cathedral has announced that a major refurbishment of its historic Grand Organ is to begin in January.

The cathedral took the decision to start work in the New Year following a growing number of mechanical faults which risk imminent catastrophic failure of the organ.

All 5,000 of the organ’s pipes are to be removed for repair, cleaning or replacement as part of the project, alongside an overhaul of its console, pedals and stops. Improvements will also be made to enhance the organ’s performance across a wider range of uses, such as civic services, carol services, celebrations and Evensong.

Commenting on the project, Andrew Scott, Managing Director at specialist organ restorers, Harrison & Harrison, who have been appointed to carry out the work, said:

“We are delighted to be entrusted with rebuilding the organ at Wells Cathedral, an instrument with a rich and distinguished history. From Robert Taunton’s first organ in 1664, through Samuel Green’s rebuild in 1786 and Henry Willis’s work in the 19th century, to the Harrison & Harrison instrument of 1910 and 1973, the organ has grown and evolved alongside the cathedral’s life. It is a privilege for us to carry that story forward, ensuring the organ remains at the heart of the cathedral and its liturgy for many years to come.”

The decision to begin the project in January 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.

Commenting on the news, Timothy Parsons, Director of Music at Wells Cathedral, said:

“I am thrilled that Wells Cathedral will be working with Harrison & Harrison on this major project. The renewed organ will be transformative to the life of the Cathedral and its music. We are greatly looking forward to working with the team from Harrison’s as the project comes to life.”

The project is being supported by an initial donation of nearly £2 million from the Friends of Wells Cathedral’s Grand Organ Appeal.

For Michael Hopkins, chairman of the Friends of Wells Cathedral charity, the money is being well spent. He explained:

“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.

“We are grateful to all who have contributed to the fundraising to date, approaching £2 million through monies raised and future pledges.”

However, with total costs for completion of the two-year project expected to reach £3 million, fundraisers are keen to emphasise that there is still some way to go to ensure its future. As The Very Reverend Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, concluded:

“Through the mists of time, music has carried both the beauty of holiness and the joy of human hearts within these walls. 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.

“However, 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 at www.wellsfriends.org/grand-organ-appeal

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