The Willis Organ

The church of St Michael and All Angels, Croydon is blessed with a particularly fine example of the work of the eminent Victorian organ builder Henry (Father) Willis. His three manual organ (1882), in its impressive double organ case by Bodley, was enlarged by Noel Mander in 1955 with the addition of a ‘floating’ 10-rank Positive organ, playable on all manuals, and several other extra ranks of pipes, including a fiery solo tuba and a 32 foot pedal reed.

 

This instrument, in the warm but not overly reverberant acoustic of the Grade 1 listed building by Pearson, provides an ideal vehicle for the performance and interpretation of organ music from all periods as well as fulfilling its primary role in the accompaniment of choral and congregational worship.

 

We are pleased to welcome an array of eminent British and international performers to our recital series as well as providing talented young organists with an opportunity to display their skills.

ACTION: Electro-pneumatic, except for original tubular-pneumatic pedal soundboard and 1955 direct action top-note chests

 

PRESSURES: Up to 3¾ inches (Tuba 15 inches; Pedal Ophicleide 7 inches)

 

COMPASSES: Manuals: CC – ccc 61 notes; Pedals: CCC – G 32 notes

 

CASE: G.F. Bodley 1901