Southampton Guildhall Compton organ

Project: To refurbish the Compton organ and its dual consoles

Summary: In 2008 HWS were selected to undertake works on the magnificent and unique Compton dual-purpose organ at Southampton Guildhall.

Whilst the funds for a full-scale restoration of the entire instrument were not available, something had to be done to bring this amazing instrument back to life, after years of little maintenance and failing mechanisms. This is Compton’s ‘Magnum Opus’ instrument - 51 ranks using careful extension and a room full of relays to create a stunningly specified classical concert organ plus a very large theatre organ, with two 4-manual consoles sharing a body of some 4000+ pipes.

HWS continue to maintain and promote the instrument, organising four organ-related events each year.

The photos here give an overview of the instrument but we have a built a dedicated website for it at:

www.guildhall-compton.org.uk