It has always been planned to restore the 1735 Richard Bridge organ. Hawksmoor's magnificent church has been returned to nearly its original state. In these awe-inspiring surroundings it is hoped that people will come to participate in events both spiritual and cultural. The organ is vital to both these aims and its restoration will be the crowning glory of the project.

This mighty instrument has been silent since around 1960, unplayable through decay and neglect. There are now very few people alive who heard its sound. Until comparatively recently it was believed that: "The character of the organ is now predominantly mid-Victorian, with a clear eighteenth century ancestry" Michael Gillingham - Monograph on Christ Church in Architectural Design, Vol. 49 No. 7, 1979.

In recent years, with the restoration of the building gathering pace it has been possible to examine the instrument in much greater detail. Several teams of experts have conducted important research and have surveyed the interior. A more complete inventory of the contents of the organ became possible when it was dismantled by the organ builder William Drake and his colleagues.

It is now clear that, despite significant alterations during the course of the nineteenth century including a major rebuild in 1852, much of the eighteenth century instrument survives. Full stop list.

Restoration of the organ can only take place at the end of the restoration of the building. A pipe organ is a complex and delicate piece of machinery, susceptible to disturbance from changes in climate and from dust.

It is now planned for the restoration of the organ to go ahead in the near future, though the work may yet take some years to complete. At the same time the huge cabinet-made walnut casework and carving will be restored by a separate team of experts.

The restoration of the 1735 Richard Bridge organ will be the crowning achievement of a restoration project that has lasted for fifty years. One of Britain's greatest historic musical instruments, and one of international significance, it is vital that the organ is heard again and that it helps bring life, spirit and activity to Hawksmoor's great church.

The Friends of Christ Church Spitalfields has launched an appeal for the restoration of this important instrument which will run alongside the continuing appeal for the restoration of the church itself. If you would like to contribute to this appeal go to our support us page.

"Much of the 18th century work survives and, after reconstruction, this could be a very, very beautiful organ."
Gustav Leonhardt, BBC Radio 3 1996

"By the most competent judges the tone is pronounced to be unexcelled, combining sweetness and great dignity, breadth and power"
Christ Church Spitalfields Vestry Minutes, 1735