A fundraising drive has been launched to raise over £150,000 by July 2026 to restore the chapel organ at St Mary’s College, Oscott.

The chapel organ is central to the daily worship of the college community during Mass. It is also used for scholar practice and available to members of the community to play.

The organ is much-loved by those who use it but is in desperate need of restoration to ensure it continues to delight all who worship in the chapel for generations to come.

Naomi Johnson, curator at St Mary’s College, Oscott, outlines the history of this important instrument:

“Built in 1838 for the opening of Oscott College, the beautiful organ has supported the liturgical life of the Seminary for over 180 years. Purchased by Birmingham Industrialist, John Hardman, as a gift to the seminary it was built by the London firm G&S Parsons. The beautiful and unusual case covering is attributed to the Gothic architect A.W. Pugin, whose legacy of work at the seminary is optimised in the stunning design of the chapel.

“It was recorded in the Wiltshire Independent’s recollection of the day as ‘a very fine instrument, built expressly for the chapel by Parsons of London’. 

“Expanded in 1872, the organ suffered years of wear and tear before a significant project of rebuild and modernisation took place in 1963 by Nicholson’s. Recently, the organ has been showing significant signs of fatigue and access for repairs are becoming increasingly difficult due to safety concerns. With many parts wearing away or broken due to age, we now need to raise funds to help refurbish the organ for generations to come.”

To help raise funds several organ recitals are planned for next year and people can also buy a commemorative booklet (pictured) which details the organ’s history and the fascinating mystery of the case design. Applications to funding bodies are also underway. 

The booklet is available to buy via Naomi: [email protected] at a cost of £5 + p&p. 

Anyone interested in supporting the appeal fund is encouraged to contact Naomi or make a donation via the college website