Cinema Organ

“This is the star item in our cinema collection,” says Clare. “It was built by John Compton Organ Company in 1937 and installed in the Mayfair Cinema, Liverpool. It was removed in the 1980s when the cinema was converted into a bingo hall and eventually rebuilt at Summerlee. It takes pride of place in our main exhibition hall. The sound of the organ is totally unique, and features many sound effects, from a xylophone and glockenspiel to crash cymbals and bird whistles. It is one of only three cinema organs preserved in Scotland.”