![](https://paulhale.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/n-202103-St-Philips-organ-and-sanctuary.jpg)
Another venturing forth today – to St Philip’s cathedral, Birmingham. I was privileged to act as consultant for the complete rebuilding of the historic organ there in 1992-3, by Nicholsons, who have been in charge of the instrument since the 1890s. It fell to them to save the organ in 1940 after a fire-bomb left the cathedral open to the skies (see photo below).
![](https://paulhale.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/n-202103-St-Philips-bomb-damage-1940-783x1024.jpg)
It was stored in Pershore Abbey (a stone’s throw from where Carlo Curley’s ashes are now interred) and reinstalled in 1948 with a new console and electro-pneumatic action. I greatly enjoyed revisiting the instrument and was delighted to see that nothing much needs doing to it other than a gentle clean and some overhaul work to the keys and pedals. The Schwarbrick and Snetzler ranks sound as beautiful as ever, and the pair of 18th century cases still gorgeous.