235-year-old Chapel organ set to be restored to former glory

The magnificent organ in the Grade I-listed Chapel of St Peter and St Paul at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is poised to be restored.  

This meticulous restoration is set to begin on 2 September and is expected to take up to 15 weeks, with the aim of completing the project in time for the Chapel’s Christmas services. 

This beloved musical instrument has remained silent since 2020 due to unreliable performance issues. The organ’s distinctive sound comes from its pipes, which resonate when played by the organist using their hands and feet. Pop royalty, Sir Elton John can be seen playing the Chapel Organ in the 2017 film, Kingsman: The Golden Circle. 

Over the centuries, this organ has evolved, reflecting the passage of time and technological advancements. The organ is in a purpose-built gallery at the west end of the Chapel. The organ was installed by Samuel Green, the leading organ builder of his day, in 1789. Its pipework was noted for its purity of tone and rich mixture of ‘stops’ which helps create the organ’s vast range of tones. The organ is understood to be the largest of Samuel Green’s still in its original position. The mahogany case surrounding the console was designed by William Newton.  

This organ is a cherished piece of musical history, and the restoration project is made possible thanks to the generous support of funders.  

Mark Hosea, Director of Estates and Conservation, Old Royal Naval College, said: “This project represents a significant step in preserving the Chapel’s musical heritage, and we are eagerly anticipating the moment when we can once again hear the organ’s majestic tones, bringing joy and inspiration to all who hear it in the beautiful and spiritual place.” 

A recent assessment of the organ outlined potential approaches for its refurbishment, aiming to restore this historic instrument to active use. 

The surviving elements of Samuel Green’s original organ will be carefully preserved. The goal is to conserve or sensitively adapt the instrument, ensuring it can once again accompany the choir and congregation during services, while also being suitable for teaching, organ recitals, and other musical performances. 

Following the expert recommendations of organ specialist Nicholas Thistlethwaite, an independent organ consultant with more than thirty-five years’ experience, the upcoming conservation work on the historic organ will be undertaken by the renowned specialists at Mander Organ Builders. The founder, Noel Mander, FSA, the renowned organ maker, rebuilt the organ at St Paul’s Cathedral in time for the Queen’s jubilee in 1977.

The restoration process will involve the careful removal of pipework from the organ, followed by thorough vacuuming, cleaning, and retuning to restore its full, rich sound. Work will be undertaken with minimal disruption to services and other Chapel activities.  

In addition, protective blinds will be installed at either end of the south chapel gallery to shield the organ case and the Benjamin West altar painting from harmful sunlight and UV exposure. 

The Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, constructed by Thomas Ripley to the designs of Sir Christopher Wren, was the last major part of the Royal Hospital for Seamen to be built. It was finally finished in 1751. The naval veterans who lived here, known as Greenwich Pensioners, were obliged to worship in the Chapel daily. The original Chapel burned down in a disastrous fire in 1779, reopening in 1789. It is both a neoclassical masterpiece, open daily for visitors to admire, and an active place of worship with weekly services. Its acoustics are superb, and it is extensively used for recitals and concerts and by music students from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance 

The Chapel of St Peter & St Paul is open daily to everyone from 10am to 5pm as a place of meditation and prayer. Free entry

The Old Royal Naval College is acclaimed for its sustainable conservation. Our mission is to enrich people’s lives by protecting this architectural masterpiece and sharing its history, heritage and significance. As a charity we rely on the generosity of the public to protect some of the nation’s finest art and architecture and share its significance widely.  

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