Bristol's Britton Organ Revived After Eight-Year Silence

After an eight-year hiatus, the Britton organ, one of the UK’s largest concert hall instruments, is set to make its grand return at the Bristol Beacon concert hall. Standing at 14 meters tall and featuring over 5,000 pipes, the organ has undergone a meticulous restoration process led by the original builders, Harrison & Harrison. The organ was initially constructed in 1955 after two previous versions were lost to fires in 1898 and 1945. It has been a significant part of Bristol's musical heritage, played at the Colston Hall for more than six decades.

The Guardian

The restoration began in 2018 as part of a major refurbishment of the Bristol Beacon. Each component of the organ was carefully removed, cataloged, and transported nearly 300 miles to Durham for cleaning and repairs. This extensive work included refurbishing over 1,000 pneumatic motors and rebuilding the console, which features four keyboards. The organ's sound has been fine-tuned to fit the acoustics of the Beacon Hall, which accommodates around 2,000 attendees.

The Guardian

The organ's revival will be celebrated with a performance by renowned organist Anna Lapwood to a sold-out audience. In the lead-up to this event, Jed Hughes, the organist responsible for maintaining the instrument, has been regularly playing it to ensure it remains in optimal condition. Hughes emphasizes the importance of regular use, stating, “The killer with organs is that if they sit and don’t get played, everything stops.”

The Guardian

In an effort to engage the community, Bristol Beacon plans to make the organ more accessible. Starting in February, residents will have the opportunity to join a choir and perform alongside the organ, regardless of their prior experience. Additionally, a scholarship program has been established to train young organists, ensuring the instrument's legacy continues.

The Guardian

The Britton organ is not only a musical instrument but also a piece of history. Notably, in 1909, suffragettes used one of its predecessors to disrupt a political speech advocating for women's voting rights. Simon Wales, the chief executive of Bristol Beacon, described the organ as a "restored jewel," highlighting its deep-rooted connection to Bristol's cultural life.

The Guardian

The revitalization of the Britton organ represents a commitment to preserving musical heritage while fostering a new generation of musicians. As the community prepares for its return, the anticipation surrounding the organ's sound and its role in Bristol's cultural landscape continues to grow.

The Guardian

• “It’s an amazing instrument,” — Jed Hughes, Organist

The Guardian

• “Its history is woven deeply into the cultural life of Bristol. The new sound is colossal.” — Simon Wales, Chief Executive of Bristol Beacon

The Guardian

• “It fills the hall so well.” — Christopher, Young Organist

The Guardian

• “It’s got lots of buttons, stops. It’s fun to play.” — Jenna, Young Musician

The Guardian