Town Hall loses its organ, for now

Nov 3 2004

An historic organ is being removed today ahead of major renovation work at Birmingham Town Hall. The 170-year-old console - the largest in Britain when it was built - is being rehoused for safe-keeping at temporary lodgings in East London until the project is complete. It is only the fourth time since the Town Hall opened in 1834 that the organ has been removed and organisers said it would not return until the work, which is scheduled to last until 2007, was finished. Councillor Alden, cabinet member for culture, said: "It is a great honour to see this unique piece of Birmingham's musical history up close and I look forward to seeing the organ console restored to its rightful place in the new-look Town Hall."