Wood Conservation Masterclass

In January, members of the Fitzhardinge Society were given a masterclass in wood conservation by Bainbridge, the specialist company cleaning the case of the Bristol Cathedral organ.

The highly skilled restoration work is part of the Organ Refurbishment Project, which is being funded by Bristol Cathedral Trust.

The original oak casing was created for the Renatus Harris organ in 1680. Over the years the organ has moved around Bristol Cathedral several times as the building has evolved.

In the picture below, you can see Louise Pavison, a specialist wood conserver, removing centuries of dirt from an oak ball which has adorned the organ case for hundreds of years.

The Fitzhardinge Society members were fascinated to learn all about the specialist techniques used in this phase of the organ restoration. The masterclass was followed by a very careful climb to the top of the scaffolding inside the Cathedral, where the group was rewarded with the most spectacular view of the Cathedral below.

If you would like to become a member of the Fitzhardinge Society, helping to preserve the Cathedral building while enjoying a range of membership benefits, please click here.