The Organ Project - before restoration

Established in 2017, The Organ Project set out with a mission to interpret, restore, enhance, and celebrate the heritage associated with 130 years of music-making in St Mary's Church, Portsea, UK. At the heart of the project is the nationally significant 1889 J.W. Walker & Sons Ltd. pipe organ, which was in a dire state and expected to last only a few more years with patching repairs. With limited parish funds for any level of restoration, the project sought assistance from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

In April 2020, The Organ Project received the exciting news of a successful application, securing £764,000 in funding towards a comprehensive restoration and community engagement initiative. The meticulous restoration of the pipe organ, undertaken by the skilled team at Nicholson & Co. Ltd., has now been completed. Over the course of the project, more than 90 activities have been delivered, sharing heritage with over 50,000 visitors, raising £44,000 through a Make a Joyful Noise pipe sponsorship campaign, and collaborating with 174 dedicated project volunteers.

As we approach the conclusion of The Organ Project, we eagerly anticipate our final Organ Festival, in July 2023. The event will feature Heritage Workshops with three local schools and a hotly-anticipated Victorian Tea Dance. By the end of 2023, The Organ Project will have successfully completed its programme. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of our supporters and volunteers who have made this project possible. This website will remain active for the foreseeable future, serving as a testament to our collective efforts and as a resource for similar heritage projects and enquiries.

Matt Dixon - Project Manager
[email protected] | theorganproject.org