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Repairing the Organ

Durham Cathedral's main pipe organ is the 4th largest in the UK. It was originally built in 1876-77 as 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.

What repairs were made?

As part of repairs needed once every 100 years, about 40 percent of the organ is undergoing conservation work. A significant part of the current repair work is to the parts of the organ that pump air to the biggest pipes.

The lungs of the organ are its three 'blowers', which are placed high above the cathedral floor in one of the organ lofts. The photo shows two of the blowers, and a gap in the foreground for a blower which has been removed. 

When the organ is operating these blowers fill up with air and supply a constant flow of wind to the pipes, in order to make music. To do their job well, the blowers are kept under high pressure through heavy weights resting on top of them. However, over time the blowers suffer stresses and strains and need repair.

How is this work being done?

Harrison and Harrison are a local organ building and repair firm, based just down the road in Durham. They recommended these planned repairs to prevent the organ breaking down unexpectedly. 

The blowers were last replaced in 1935, and now one of them has come to the end of its life. These are big pieces of equipment, so in order to remove it from the organ loft a hoist had to be used. To complete this once in a century repair, the replacement blower which is almost the size of a mini was lifted up into the upper levels of the cathedral to the organ loft. 

The loft is also where most of the organ pipes are (pictured). The shape on the end of the pipe, as well as the length and width of the pipe, controls the sound it makes - did you know that pipes in Durham Cathedral's organ can imitate the sounds of flutes, violins and even French horns?

Durham Cathedral Organ was last fully overhauled in 1970. It is now due a comprehensive restoration which will cost around £1m. The remedial work completed in November will ensure that the organ continues to be reliable for the immediate future, and the new blower will help us to reduce our costs as we will be able to run two blowers instead of three more regularly. We would love to hear from anyone who would like to support us with this exciting project, which will enable us to preserve this wonderful instrument for future generations.

Daniel Cook
Master of Choristers and Organist

Learn more about Durham Cathedral's organ

Our main organ is known as the 'Father' Willis organ. It's been part of the soundscape of Durham Cathedral for 150 years. Find out more about the organ and how it is a part of services and concerts at the cathedral at the hands of our talented team of organists.

More about the organ

How you can help

Conservation work like this ensures that the organ will still be here filling the cathedral with music for future generations to enjoy. There's a lot of work which comes with maintaining an organ originally built in 1876, as well, as a lot of cost.

Donations can contribute to the upkeep of the cathedral, and helps us in our mission to preserve such an iconic site. You can choose to donate to a general fund for supporting the cathedral, or a specific fund which supports music at the cathedral.

Donate to support the cathedral