Theatre organ from 1930s to hit right note at auction
A RARE 1930s Wurlitzer theatre organ is set to go under the hammer at an auction house in Fradley Park.
The lovingly restored 1936 example of a ‘Mighty Wurlitzer’ cinema pipe organ goes under the hammer at The Lichfield Auction Centre next month.
It has been played by most of Britain’s top organists to the enjoyment of audiences in a bespoke mini-theatre built at its owner’s bungalow in Cannock.
Thought to be one of around 20 operational theatre Wurlitzers in the UK today, the console has been resprayed to a high standard.
“Sadly, due to my age, I now have to sell the instrument as I am unable to squeeze into the tight corners of the pipe chamber to maintain it,” said the owner, who wishes to remain anonymous.
“It is not a small instrument, needing a three-phase power supply for the blower and a room of at least 18 square metres to house the relays and pipework.
“They were fantastic instruments in their time, constructed of timber, leather and steel – the only plastic parts are Bakelite.
“There are but a handful of these left in the UK and it has been wonderful to be custodian of this one for the past 20 years.”
The example going to auction was originally delivered to the UK on October 16, 1936, and installed in the Granada Cinema in Barking Road, East Ham, London.
The present owner saved the instrument from slowly deteriorating in a container in November 2000 when it was craned into a purpose-built 20-seat mini theatre at his home.
Auctioneer Richard Winterton said: “What an impressive instrument this is. The console has been resprayed to an amazing standard and the original Wurlitzer sound has been carefully retained.
“It has been guided at £5,000 to £7,000 at auction, but such an unusual, beautiful item could fetch far more on the day.”
Most of the UK’S famous organists came to Cannock to play the instrument, including Phil Kelsall, resident organist at Blackpool Tower; the late Dr Arnold Loxam, who gave BBC organ concerts from the 1940s to the 1960s; and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jean Martyn.
The organ is lot 1201 in the auction at the Wood End Lane saleroom on May 21 at 9.30am.
The auction catalogue can be viewed at richardwinterton.co.uk/ auction-dates a week before the sale, and people can bid online, in the room or by prior arranged telephone bid.
Appointments to view in person can also be organised through by calling 01543 251081, or by email to office@richardwinterton.co.uk.