£2.4m project to restore 170-year-old organ
Carlisle CathedralWork to restore and repair an 170-year-old cathedral organ is under way.
Carlisle Cathedral's Father Willis organ has been altered numerous times over its lifespan to keep up with musical fashions and despite being maintained, it has not undergone an overhaul in about 30 years.
Containing almost 4,000 pipes, 72 stops, intricate mechanical and pneumatic systems and bespoke components, the instrument could not be repaired easily, the cathedral said.
The cathedral is now raising the £2.4m needed to fully repair the organ after specialists said it was approaching a point of serious risk.
Interim Dean of Carlisle The Venerable Michael Everitt said: "From its arrival, its beauty, both in appearance and in sound, has inspired generations of people from Carlisle, Cumbria and wider afield.
"Through daily use, it has become clear that extensive work is now needed to ensure the organ can continue to serve our worship, music and community life with vibrancy and reliability."
More than £1.8m has already been raised for the restoration through the Benny Walker Charitable Trust and support from Friends of Carlisle Cathedral.
