The organ was built in 1761 by George England senior and replaced at least one earlier instrument. The instrument now being restored in the workshop of Mr William Drake, in Buckfastleigh in Devon, was successively added to during the 1880’s, later during the first decade of the twentieth century and most recently in 1969. Fashions change but the present climate of opinion is that the instrument should speak and sound as originally intended. This has a few implications for both the pitch, tuning and overall sound of the organ.

 

When it returns it is likely to sound at a very slightly lower pitch than A440, a pitch standardised last century, and in a temperament which is not quite equal. Most people would not notice the difference beyond the fact that hymns and psalms will be more comfortable to sing, it will have a brightness and richness which will be both startling and beautiful. Dr William McVicker, the consultant for the project, Messrs Mayo and Carnelley from Dulwich College and I visited the organ workshop in January, returning quietly excited at the prospect of having possibly one of the best organs in London to enjoy. It already has a high reputation for its cornet stop being the oldest extant in the country and for the Gothic design of its case. The discovery of other original pipes, as well as those in use when the organ was dismantled, will serve to extend its value to the extent that music from the Georgian period can be played in a truly authentic manner. It is expected that the organ will return to Dulwich by the end of 2008 or the beginning of 2009.