Hereford Cathedral's organ is set for a new lease of life thanks to a lottery grant of more than a quarter of a million pounds. The instrument has fallen into a state of disrepair since it was made in 1893 by "Father" Henry Willis, a noted Victorian organ builder.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of �269,500 will be used to carry out a careful programme of restoration work.
Some of the money will also be spent on teaching people about the organ's historical and musical significance.
Projection system
Information about the restoration of the organ will be made available on a special website, which will enable users to go on a virtual tour of the console and pipes.
The site will give explanation of how the organ works.
A projection system will also be installed in the cathedral to enable visitors to see the instrument working, and to allow the organist to explain its mechanics.
Anne Jenkins, HLF regional manager for the West Midlands, said: "For more than a century, the organ at Hereford Cathedral has played a central part in music-making in the West Midlands.
"It's a fantastic example of the musical heritage of Victorian England, and we're absolutely delighted to be able to provide this major grant to help new generations of people learn about and enjoy the organ at its finest." � �
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