Organ

The fine mahogany cased organ in the west end gallery of St Swithun's is
notable for being the most complete remaining example from the
Gray brothers' workshop in London. The organ dates from 1795, the same
year that Robert and William Gray were commissioned to build a new organ 
for the Inigo Jones church of St Paul in London’s Covent Garden. Very few
church organs from the 18th century remain in existence and significantly
unaltered, making the St Swithun’s example an extremely important find.

After many years of relative disuse, it was in need of a full overhaul, which
has now been completed following a successful fundraising campaign.

The Organ Restoration Campaign started in 2007 before the identity of its makers was established by researcher Jim Berrow, working on behalf of The Friends of St Swithun's. Its importance was formally recognised in June 2008 with the award of a Grade I Certificate from the British Institute of Organ Studies. The certificate states ‘’The organ in St Swithun’s Church, Worcester has been awarded a certificate in recognition of it being an important instrument by William and Robert Gray 1795, with additions by the newly founded firm of John Nicholson 1844 … The organ is therefore listed in the Institute’s Register of Historic Pipe Organs as being an instrument of importance to the national heritage and one deserving careful preservation for the benefit of future generations."

A copy of the certificate is on display in the church.

Restoration and rededication

The restoration work was carried out by Martin Goetze and Dominic Gwynn of Goetze and Gwynn, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, and took place between July 2009 and April 2010. Goetze and Gwynn were selected because of their reputation for exacting restoration of this period of early English instruments. The organ was carefully dismantled and transported to Worksop following the 2009 St Swithun’s Festival, and each component was carefully conserved and restored to its original condition using traditional materials and craftsmanship.

A service of rededication was held on Sunday 2 May 2010 to celebrate the return of the organ in fully playable condition. The first recital, given by Adrian Lucas, Organist and Choirmaster of Worcester Cathedral, took place on Saturday 8th May 2010.

You can hear the difference the restoration has made by clicking here
  and here

'The Churches Conservation Trust are very pleased to support the restoration of the historic Gray organ in St Swithun’s Church, Worcester .We look forward to ... the continued use and enjoyment of this rare instrument. A big thank you to all the supporters who have contributed to this worthwhile project.'
Sheila Stone, Regional Manager for the Midlands, The Churches Conservation Trust

Fundraising

The total cost of the restoration work was in the order of £100,000 including VAT, inflation and contingency and publicity and other publications required by the grant aiding organisations. Grants for the restoration work have been received from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Pilgrim Trust, Churches Conservation Trust, Listed Places of Worship Scheme, Idlewild Trust, Leche Trust, some private trusts and individual Friends and supporters. Our grateful thanks to all these contributors to this important restoration.

Funds are still needed for future maintenance, teaching scholarships, master classes, one-off events and additional publicity relating to the restored organ. To support these aims, anyone can 'Buy an Hour of Organ Time' for themselves, a relative or friend - a fine way of enjoying the hands-on experience of making music with friendly help at hand, at the same time as making a valuable contribution to an excellent cause.

Organ practice and teaching

In order for organists to enjoy and learn from this instrument, the St Swithun’s organ is available for regular practice on Saturday mornings during the months when the church is open (30 April to 23 October 2011).

Until the end of June, the 16th century-style Wingfield Organ can also be used for practice and teaching (for more details of this instrument, see the Events section).

If you are interested in the opportunity of using either of these early English organs for practice or teaching, please contact Raymond Fowler, Church Custodian: 01905 748312 r.e.fowler@talktalk.net