AFTER 145 years of continuous use, the organ at St Mary’s parish church in Titchmarsh underwent a complete restoration in 2016 and is now in fine voice for its next 145 years! The organ was made and installed in 1870 by the renowned Victorian organ builder Thomas Christopher Lewis and it is a fine early example of a Romantic organ. Independent organ expert and Professor of Organology at the Royal Academy of Music, William McVicker has described the organ as “quite superb, a stunning example of Lewis’ work, and unusually, in almost original condition. To find such a gem in a parish church in a rural Northamptonshire village is remarkable”.
The organ not only serves the parish of Titchmarsh but is also a venue for first class organ recitals and an important teaching aid for international students of the organ through the Oundle for Organists programme. The organ continues to provide a fitting accompaniment to some of Titchmarsh’s most joyous and reflective moments.
The restoration was carried out by Durham based organ builders Harrison & Harrison and funded in part by a grant of nearly £87,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
