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Grand Organ's 4,000 Pipes Embark on 300-Mile Repair Journey
10 Feb
Summary
- Nearly 4,000 organ pipes are being repaired 300 miles away.
- A £3m refurbishment project is underway at Wells Cathedral.
- Repairs are expected to be completed by summer 2027.
Wells Cathedral is undertaking a major £3m refurbishment of its historic grand organ, a project essential to prevent imminent mechanical failure. Nearly 4,000 of the organ's pipes, along with its wind reservoirs, electrical systems, and console, have been carefully packed into 60 crates.
These vital components are now on a 300-mile journey to a specialist workshop in Durham, operated by organ builders Harrison & Harrison. This extensive repair work is scheduled for completion in summer 2027.
Director of Music Timothy Parsons noted the organ's increasing unreliability leading up to Christmas. A temporary organ has been installed to maintain musical services during the restoration. The Friends of Wells Cathedral are a lead partner, committing two-thirds of the project's total cost.
