Organ Builders

[Browniescorner]

Can anyone point me in the direction of where I might find out where someone would serve their apprenticeship as an Organ Builder in or around Liverpool in the 1800's.
Maybe even a list of apprentices or qualified Organ Builders.

[lindylou]

There was a place along St Anne st way - or was it Richmond Row ?? Ged will tell us, he knows that area well. There was a Willis organ place along there.

or am I getting mixed up with Rushworths organ repairers ??

I might be able to find out more about it. I know someone who is an organ enthusiast.

[PhilipG]

Henry Willis & Sons were in Great George Street when they were building the organ for the Anglican Cathedral.

[marky]

I took a picture of a small brown building in Westminster Road (between Fountains Rd and Lambeth Rd). I think it said Organ Builders. This was about two years ago.

[PhilipG]

I took a picture of a small brown building in Westminster Road (between Fountains Rd and Lambeth Rd). I think it said Organ Builders. This was about two years ago.

Interesting.
The 1936 Kelly's only lists Rushworth's and Willis's.
(Which doesn't mean there weren't others).
Rushworths had their showroom where the T&GWU was built in Islington.
They were also in Gt George St, as well as Willis's.

[marky]

The building I mentioned is a 'modern' one. It just stuck in my mind, as it's the only 'organ builders' I've ever noticed. There can't be many left in Liverpool.

[marky]

Here's a pic of the more recent organ builders (their' website says established 1981). Their website does mention Willis.
http://www.dwob.co.uk/

52 Westminster Road, David Wells Organ Builders/Cathedral Works

[Cadfael]

Henry Willis - Organ Works

[peterb]

There's a preservation society for old organs. Bob Howorth of Howorth-Wrightson Limited in Denton, Manchester has some connection with them and should be able to help.