Carlisle Cathedral has selected a builder for its £2.4 million project to restore its historic pipe organ.
Nicholson & Co. Ltd have been commissioned to restore, rebuild and renew the cathedral’s pipe organ, to protect and conserve the 170-year-old instrument.
It has almost 4,000 pipes, 72 stops, intricate mechanical and pneumatic systems and bespoke components that cannot be replaced off the shelf.
While it has been carefully maintained, it has not undergone a full overhaul for nearly 30 years, and specialists said it was now approaching a point of serious risk.
The project will cost £2.4 million in total and £1.8 million has already been secured from a grant from the Benny Walker Charitable Trust and significant support from the Friends of Carlisle Cathedral.
The Father Willis organ has been in service at the cathedral for 170 years and was originally built by the Victorian organ builder ‘Father’ Henry Willis in 1856 and expanded in 1875.
It has since been shaped over time by distinguished firms including Harrison & Harrison in 1907, J. W. Walker & Sons 1962, and David Wells Organ Builders in 1997.
The instrument has over the years sat at the heart of Cathedral worship and community life and is used for daily worship, concerts, civic occasions, and the Cathedral’s choral tradition.
The restoration work will focus on ensuring the long-term reliability and musical integrity of the organ.
Its internal mechanism will be entirely replaced and reconfigured to improve efficiency and accessibility, while a new console will be installed to meet modern performance standards.
Alongside these structural improvements, the project will refine the organ’s tonal scheme, strengthening its vital role in supporting choral excellence and vibrant congregational singing.
The project will be overseen by consultant Nicholas Thistlethwaite, a leading authority on historic organs, ensuring that the rebuild honours the instrument’s heritage while equipping it for the future.
A full specification detailing the vision for the rebuilt organ will be released in the coming months. Work is scheduled to begin in late 2027, with completion anticipated in 2029.
Andrew Caskie, managing director of Nicholson & Co. Ltd, said: “We are pleased to have been commissioned to rebuild the organ of Carlisle Cathedral. The work is due to commence in late 2027 with completion in 2029.”
The venerable Michael Everitt, interim dean of Carlisle, visited the premises of Nicholson & Co. Ltd recently.
Michael said: “We are delighted to have signed the contract with Nicholsons to renew and reinvigorate the 170-year-old Organ at Carlisle Cathedral.
“The “Heavenly Voices: Mighty Sound” project will enable the highest quality of music to continue to be shared at the cathedral for many years to come.”
Carlisle Cathedral is now looking to raise the remaining £600,000 for the restoration project through donations, gifts, pledges and further grant funding.
To donate, visit https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/heavenly-voices-mighty-sound/
