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Conservation work on the Father Smith Organ Case

For two weeks in March 2026, cleaning and repair work has commenced for the Father Smith Organ Case, located to the left of the Visitor Desk, to conserve and protect the case for years to come.

What work is taking place?

A team from Skillingtons, who previously worked on the conservation of the Font in summer 2021, are cleaning and restoring the organ pipes and wood features on the organ case.

Step one

Dust and surface dirt will be removed using soft brushes and a low-powered vacuum cleaner.

Step two

Any marks which are more stubborn will be cleaned away using cotton-wool swabs dampened with de-ionised water. 

Step three

The case will be checked and any loose pieces of wood re-secured. 

Step four

Finally the case will be lightly polished using soft, lint-free cloths. No wood polish or coatings will be used. 

A snapshot of the restoration work

We spoke with the team from Skillingtons...

Emma and Amy are working on this project and when they got up close with the organ pipes, they spotted previous restoration work, most likely from the Victorian era. The organ pipes have been previously varnished, and sections have been left out, but singular paintbrush hairs still remain!

The cleaning and dusting shows a big colour change, removing the varnish and bringing the golden colour back to life.

What is the Father Smith Organ Case?

Built in 1686 by Bernard ‘Father’ Smith (c.1630-1708), the organ originally stood over the Quire screen. However, its position blocked the view from the Nave, and when the cathedral was reordered in the 1870s it was removed and a new organ installed at the side of the Quire. The beautiful organ case was kept as a memento of Smith’s masterpiece and placed near the Font in the Nave.

What is it made of?

One of Smith’s finest instruments, the Durham organ took about two years to build. The case is made of oak wood with some painted decoration. The pipes are gilt metal, probably made from a lead-tin alloy

A closer look

The lower part of the organ case includes parts of the earlier quire screen it originally sat on. The painted coats of arms above the carved heads are of Bishop John Cosin (1594-1672), who restored much of the cathedral’s woodwork in the 1660s.

How you can help?

Conservation work like this ensures that the cathedral is looked after for future generations to enjoy. This project is only possible thanks to generous support from the Friends of Durham Cathedral. Donations can contribute to the upkeep of the cathedral, and can help us to care for this UNESCO World Heritage Site. All donations, no matter how big or small, support the cathedral, its mission and its future

Donate here

Read more about conservation work at Durham Cathedral

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Durham Cathedral's main pipe organ has been maintained by the same Durham-based organ conservation firm since 1905. In October and November 2022, repairs were carried out to ensure the organ remains fully operational.

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