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The organ was built in 1886 by J W Walker & Sons Ltd, and originally cost just over
£1,000, though to replace it today would cost over £550,000. J W Walker was
established in 1828 and is still one of the world’s finest organ
builders. The design of the new organ was influenced by some eminent
Victorians – notably Dr Edward Hopkins of the Temple Church, Sir George
Elvey of St George’s Chapel Windsor and Sir Walter Parratt, Master of
the Queen’s Musick. The funds were donated by individual parishioners
and from the proceeds of a Grand Bazaar held at Claremont House for this
purpose under the patronage of the Duchess of Albany.
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During World War I a magnificent pedal trombone stop was added, and in 1930 a
major rebuild took place under the aegis of the resident organist and
well-known composer Montague Phillips. His redesign included all the
old pipework and the very latest technology of the day, as well as a new
detached console placed upstairs in the Claremont pew and connected to
the organ by electro-pneumatic action.
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In 1966 a nazard stop was added in place of the old orchestral oboe stop, and in
1983 the instrument was cleaned and some restoration work was done. A
solid state system was also added to the piston capture system.
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In 2005-6, a complete renovation was carried out by Walkers, all the old electronics
and wiring were replaced, the Choir organ was enhanced by changing some of the stops
and a new console (right) was installed to give the organist better control over the instrument.
The total cost was over £187,000.
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In 2007-8, the organ pipes were redecorated in a Victorian style (see above left) in memory of Richard Coulson, Director of Music 1969-2006. Other
planned enhancements included a second smaller console in the nave of the church for concert work and to achieve a better balance
between organ, choir and congregation. Such items await the generosity of future donors.
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The organ today has three keyboards, a pedal board and 40 stops, with about
2,242 pipes in all.
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