London Bridge Station now has a Victorian church organ installed for passengers to play when commuting.
The abandoned organ is located in the arches of the station and is an 1880's style, 250 pipe organ which has been rehomed by charity Pipe Up for Pipe Organs.
On the 27th October, an event was held with Network Rail's Chair Sir Peter Hendy and members of the station team in attendance alongside the charity's founders to witness the refurbished organs official launch at the station.
The organ came from United Reformed Church in Whetstone, north London.
Anna Lapwood, a professional organist, played with Marcella De Gale at the event. Marcella works on the security team at Network Rail.
Phil Sherratt, editor of Modern Railways, also serenaded passengers by tinkling the ivories with renditions of JS Bach and the theme from Thomas the Tank Engine.
Sir Peter Hendy, Network Rail's chair, said: “I'm delighted to see the positive reaction we've received from passengers since the installation of this lovely organ and there couldn't be a more fitting venue for the sound of a pipe organ to resonate than in the Victorian arches at London Bridge.
“Several organists have since taken to social media to share their visit where they have put on performances for all to hear.
“I'm proud that the station team have worked so hard with the Charity ‘Pipe Up for Pipe Organs' to bring this project to life.”
Anna Lapwood, organist, said: “As organists, we often lament the fact that our instruments are often hidden away out of sight and so they are rather difficult to stumble across in everyday life. The organ at London Bridge station has completely changed this! It has been so moving to see it played at almost all hours of the day by everyone from small children trying an organ for the first time, all the way through to professionals who happen to be passing by. Thank you to the team at ‘Pipe Up for Pipe Organs' for reminding us that this is an instrument that people find fascinating, if only they can get close enough to try it themselves!”
Martin Renshaw, organ restorer and founder of the charity Pipe Up for Pipe Organs, said: “The pipe organ Network Rail has allowed Pipe Up for Pipe Organs to install has been a runaway success.
“It has demonstrated beyond any doubt the huge public support for playing and listening to pipe organs, from all sectors of society. We want to thank Network Rail for creating a turning point in the appreciation of this, the king of instruments.”
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail, stations director, said: “It's great to hear the organ being played throughout the station, the sound really does echo through the arches and adds a nice touch to the hustle and bustle of daily commuting life for our passengers.”
It’s very nice to have pianos and organs installed at railway stations for people to use and to play music. Very nice suggestion.
Well I was delighted to see and hear the piano played at Birmingham New Street station shortly after it was put there. What a fantastic idea but sadly last time I was there I saw it had been abused and many notes would not play. Churches and Chapels are closing all over the country. I’m sure many lovely organs need saving and what could be better than a cavernous railway station BUT given the cost of moving and installing such instruments; some means needs to be found of looking after them
This reminds me of the Sunday school song,
‘Join the Gospel Express.’
Let’s hope it will encourage others to join as well.
Incidentally, I hope that this beautiful instrument is protected from the elements.
Brilliant , i hope it does not get abused.
I think there is CCTV located at London Bridge station that are the nearest to the instrument if anyone starts messing around and causes property damage.