The two-manual Harrison and Harrison organ currently in St Alkmund’s came to the church on semi-permanent loan after the closing of Addington Palace as the headquarters of the Royal School of Church Music. The organ was moved to Cleveland Lodge before coming to St Alkmund’s on semi-permanent loan in 2007.
This organ in its distinctive art deco case, was designed by the founder of the RSCM himself in 1931 mainly as a teaching instrument, and was built by Harrison and Harrison, who still hold the original correspondence from Sir Sydney Nicholson. Visitors to the church occasionally remark that they remember it from its days at the R.S.C.M. – as does the present organist!!
Although not designed for St Alkmund’s, the organ’s scale and flexible specification is very well suited to its new surroundings, and it is a pleasure that it not only accompanies services, but continues to be used as a teaching instrument.
Specification:
SWELL
Lieblich Gedekt 8′
Gemshorn 4′
Fifteenth 2′
Twelfth 2 2/3′
Contra Oboe 16′
(Octave, Suboctave.
Unison off)
Sw – Gt
GREAT
Claribel Flute 8′
Salicional 8′
Dulcet 4′
Open Diapason 8′
Gt – Sw
PEDAL (to F’)
Sub Bass 16′
Flute 8′
Sw – Ped, Gt – Ped
St Alkmund's Church, Shrewsbury 