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Mar 21 2007 Paisley Daily Express

ABBEY NEEDS £350,000 TO RESTORE ORGAN

THE congregation at historic Paisley Abbey are tuning up to raise nearly £350,000 to restore its world-famous organ.

Following consultations with top organ builders, it’s estimated that it will cost £390,000 to repair the stunning instrument, which dates in its original form to 1872.

The Society of Friends of Paisley Abbey have already promised to donate £50,000 to the project and it’s hoped that members of the congregation will make a significant contribution.

There are also plans to apply to Heritage Lottery bosses for a grant to help meet the restoration costs but the organisers of a special fundraising appeal which has just been launched are putting their faith in businesses, local and national organisations and individuals to contribute as generously as possible to the upgrade.

The work, which will involve cleaning the pipework and overhauling electric and wind supply systems inside the organ, will start in July next year.

The organ will be dismantled piece by piece over a period of about one month and taken to the workshop of the Harrison and Harrison organ architects firm in Durham.

It will remain there for about seven months while the renovations are being carried out.

Following its return to the Abbey, it will take another four months to reconstruct the instrument, with the first recitals planned for June, 2009.

While it’s away for repairs, a replacement organ will be installed in the Abbey to be played at services, concerts, music lessons, radio and television broadcasts and civic and community events like Remembrance Day ceremonies and other commemorations.

During the launch of the Organ Restoration Appeal in the Abbey, organist and director of music George McPhee gave a talk about the instrument, which was constructed 135 years ago by French organ builder, Aristide Cavaille-Coll, in the nave of the Abbey.

A major overhaul and rebuild was later done in 1968 under the supervision of Ralph Downes, one of the greatest British organ architects of the 20th century.

By that time, the organ had been enlarged and removed to its present site in the choir during earlier renovations in 1928.

“The Paisley Abbey organ is a glorious instrument and it will be restored to its former glory following the restoration,” Dr McPhee told invited guests during the launch of the appeal.

“It’s an important and wonderful part of the Abbey but, sadly, problems with electrics, wind supply and dust are causing major faults when it is played during services and other events.

“It plays discordant notes just when you don’t want it to and you have to make split-second decisions to minimise the problems.

“The organ is part of Scotland’s religious heritage and it is well-known to people across the world.

“It deserves to be looked after and that is why we are launching the appeal.”

Abbey minister, the Reverend Alan Birss, added: “Our organ does not just belong to the Abbey - it belongs to the whole of Paisley.

“I hope that, through the generous response of many people to this appeal, our magnificent organ can be fully renovated and restored for the benefit of all who love and value music.

“So, let us all go out and spread the word and pray for the success of our appeal.”

Mark Venning, managing director of Harrison and Harrison, travelled to Paisley from Durham to be at the launch of the appeal.

He said: “The Paisley Abbey organ is one of the great organs of the United Kingdom.

“It’s important it is kept true to itself and that is what we shall do during the restoration.”

Also backing the appeal is Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Douglas Alexander.

He said: “The Abbey has a rich musical heritage and the importance of the organ is significant in many ways, from national to international concerts to local school and youth celebrations.

“I heartily support the restoration appeal for the organ of Paisley Abbey, which is central to Paisley but also serves as a cultural and community hub for Renfrewshire and beyond.

“The organ is used educationally in events ranging from taster sessions for schoolchildren to lessons and examinations for students at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

“I speak for many people in Paisley and beyond in urging the fullest support for the appeal.”

During the launch, Dr McPhee delivered a short programme of organ recitals featuring the works of composers JS Bach, Alec Rowley and Jehan Alain.

Anyone wanting to donate to the project should send cheques - payable to Paisley Abbey Organ Fund - to the Treasurer, Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley, PA1 1JG.

For further details, ring 0141 889 7654 or send an e-mail to info@paisleyabbey.org.uk