Wells Cathedral’s Grand Organ Sent 300 Miles North for £3 Million Refurbishment Project
Nearly 4,000 pipes – along with wind reservoirs, electrical systems and console – were carefully removed from Wells Cathedral in Somerset earlier this week, as its Grand Organ was taken away for a major £3 million refurbishment project.
Packed into 60 crates, the painstakingly dismantled organ has been transported 300 miles north to the Durham workshop of organ builders, Harrison & Harrison. The parts are expected to remain with Harrison & Harrison until Summer 2027, before returning to Wells to be reinstalled.
Wells Cathedral took the decision to undertake the huge project after a growing number of mechanical faults were found to be risking imminent failure of the organ. The refurbishment comes as a relief to organists at the cathedral, who said they had to use their skills to creatively cover up many of the instrument’s shortcomings during services and recitals.
Timothy Parsons, Director of Music at Wells Cathedral, explained:
“Our cathedral organ has become less and less reliable in recent months, and leading up to Christmas the problems became worse, with a division of the organ failing without warning one Sunday morning. Unfortunately, it was reaching the point where the instrument wouldn’t have been playable at all, so the arrival of the temporary organ and the start of the work by Harrison & Harrison couldn’t have come at a better moment!”
The project has been supported by The Friends of Wells Cathedral charity, by The Vinehill Trust and other generous donors. Arnold Wills, Chair of The Friends of Wells Cathedral, said:
“The Friends have committed to two-thirds of the total cost and have been lead partners in getting this project initiated.
“We have a great working relationship with Dean Toby and the whole Cathedral team, and the project is on track to be a magnificent success. Everyone here is behind the project and we have some very special fundraising events planned. I can’t wait to play the organ when it’s returned!”
Fundraisers are keen to emphasise that more needs to be raised in order to complete the project. Georgina Landau, Director of Development at Wells Cathedral, added:
“The extremely generous support of The Friends of Wells Cathedral, The Vinehill Trust and other donors has enabled us to begin this critical project to save something at the very heart of Wells Cathedral.
“However, we still need to raise a significant sum to see this major project through to completion, and so we would love to hear from any trusts, foundations or private donors who would like to support this.”
Although last rebuilt in the 1970s, the foundations of the current Grand Organ were established in the 1850s. Records of an organ in Wells Cathedral date back as far as the early 14th century.
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.
Until Autumn 2027, when the Grand Organ is due to be reinstalled, the cathedral’s organists will be performing on a temporary Viscount Regent 356-D organ. Commenting on the new instrument, 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!”
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