Help us protect the future of the Winchester Cathedral Organ.

Winchester Cathedral’s great “Father Willis” organ was built for the Great Exhibition and installed in 1854.  It has been in almost daily use for worship, recitals and concerts, and can be heard all over the world in broadcasts and recordings. Recently, the organ has been showing significant signs of fatigue and we are now undertaking a full rebuild in order to repair and restore the organ and ensure it will continue to serve the Cathedral for generations to come.

 

The restoration work began in early January 2023, and will take up to year.  Master organ builders Harrison & Harrison have dismantled and are cleaning over 5,500 pipes, repairing chipped and worn keys and adjusting and improving the console, pedalboard and pistons.   During this work, daily Cathedral life is continuing as usual.  Scaffolding over the north transept and Quire is providing access, workspace and storage for the pipes, and a temporary organ is in place for the duration of the project.

 

Thanks to many generous donors we have almost reached the required cost of £1.1 million. We are just £25,000 away from our goal. Could you help us by Sponsoring a Stop, giving a Note for a Note or Paying for a Pipe by way of a personal donation, in memory of a loved one or as a joint donation with friends or family? Any donation, large or small, to the appeal is much appreciated. Further information can be found in the appeal brochure and list of stops below.

 

Important Visitor Information
You can now access the East End by the North Transept steps (which was previously closed due to erection of scaffolding).
The wheelchair lift is in operation.
There is access to The Crypt however this does depend on the water level, if this goes over the viewing platform it will not be open.