Historic pipe organ set to leave Chichester Cathedral after decades on loan
A historic pipe organ at Chichester Cathedral could be given a new home after the instrument, which dates back to around 1780, was originally lent to the cathedral by The Prebendal School.
The Hurdis Pipe Organ is now the subject of discussions between the cathedral and the school over its removal, with specialist expertise needed to dismantle the instrument.
The Prebendal School, in West Street, is considering whether the organ could be relocated elsewhere because of a lack of space on its premises.
The instrument was presented to the school by Brigadier Barclay Pearson, whose great-great-grandfather commissioned its construction, meaning its potential return would mark a homecoming for the historic piece.
The organ was built around 1780, at least partly by the Reverend James Hurdis, who was headmaster of The Prebendal School before becoming Professor of Poetry at the University of Oxford.
In 1947, the Hurdis family gave the instrument to the school, which subsequently placed it on loan to Chichester Cathedral. The cathedral has now asked the school to take it back.
Allison Napier, head of The Prebendal School, said: “We are delighted that the organ is set to return to The Prebendal School, where it has such a meaningful place in our history. Having originally been presented to the School by Brigadier Barclay Pearson, whose great-great-grandfather commissioned its construction, its return feels very much like a homecoming.
“As the school for Chichester Cathedral’s choristers, music is at the heart of our identity and heritage. We hope that returning the organ to Prebendal will give it a new lease of life, reconnecting it with the musical traditions that have been such an important part of school life for generations.”
However, the school has acknowledged that finding a permanent home for the instrument could prove challenging because of space constraints.
The removal process is expected to require considerable expertise, as the organ cannot simply be moved out in one piece.
The cathedral has clarified that the Hurdis Pipe Organ is not its main organ used for services. The historic instrument is currently not in use, and its relocation could provide an opportunity for it to have a new lease of life.
The school is liaising with the cathedral over the arrangements, while the possibility of finding an alternative home remains under consideration.