Arundel Cathedral Organ Maintenance Fund
’The Arundel Cathedral organ (and the building it speaks into, for they are perfectly suited) is one of the best I have ever played... What a fantastic musical instrument.'
Organist Mark Blatchly
The organ was probably first built in the 1850s, by William Hill & Son, and intended for the Catholic Church of St John, Islington. How it became available to Arundel remains unclear, but it was installed in time for the church’s opening service on 1 July, 1873.
Some adjustments to the structure had to be made for it to fit in the space below the magnificent rose window, but the result provides a fine contrast of two highly decorative styles.
Visually the organ is virtually the same now as when it was installed some 130 years ago: a case made up of pipe fields of two storeys, with front pipes splendidly decorated in red and gold.
Repairs and Alterations
Given the quality and pedigree of the organ it is perhaps strange that by the 1880s further work was needed, which kept the instrument in service until the early 1930s. By this time, however, the organ was judged to be in 'a deplorable condition1, and substantial improvements were deemed necessary.
Further adjustments were made in the late 1960s, principally in terms of bringing the organ into line with current musical fashion, but in fact taking it further away from its original character.
Restoration
'In the writer’s opinion the Hill organ is one of the finest instruments of its kind to survive in an English church, or, indeed, anywhere. It is of national importance’
Canon Dr N J Thistlethwaite, report to the Cathedral, 1993
In 2005 major work began to restore the organ to its original splendour and tonal quality. Initiated by Canon Whale and Monsignor Jeffrey Scott, the programme involved extensive discussion of what kind of restoration would be appropriate as well as substantial fund-raising efforts to secure the £250,000 needed.
Seventeen organ-builders led by David Wells undertook the work, together with numerous other specialist craftspeople. The work was completed in time for a series of celebratory concerts in the summer of 2006.
Thanks to Nicholas Plumley for the above information. Copies of his book "The Organ in Arundel Cathedral", giving details of the history and restoration are available in the Cathedral Bookshop.
Ongoing maintenance of the organ is essential to ensure its continuing quality. If you have enjoyed the music please be generous in your contribution to the maintenance fund.