RESTORATION work planned on Glasgow Cathedral's organ might have to be
postponed unless a shortfall in the cost of repairs can made up in the
next few weeks. The organ, built by ''Father'' Henry Willis over a
century ago, is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of the
Victorian master craftsman's work.
Routine maintenance and some modernisation has been carried out in the
last 25 years, but the instrument's condition has deteriorated. Complete
restoration became necessary, and a fund was established last year to
raise the #350,000 required for the work, which would take more than a
year to complete.
The fund's convener, Mr Iain McGlashan, confirmed yesterday that the
cathedral was still #40,000 short of the target figure despite a
tremendous response from the public, businesses, and arts organisations.
Unless the difference can be raised within the next month, the
restoration programme may have to be postponed for months, or possibly
even years. Mr McGlashan said that the eminent Durham-based organ
builder, Harrison & Harrison, had two expert teams standing by to begin
the 12-month programme once the go-ahead is given with the total funding
in place.
''The frustrating thing is that we cannot sanction the programme until
all the funding has been raised,'' the convener said. ''The tragedy is
that these two teams of experts will not be available unless the work
begins within the next month.
''The opportunity of having them together might not recur for many
months, or years -- and each day the irreplaceable organ deterorates
further.
''It is quite likely that without the planned restoration, its life
expectancy is only a handful of years. It could be only three or four
years before it has to be thrown on to the scrap heap.
''It is critical this restoration work is carried out quickly and I
would appeal again to individuals, companies, and organisations to
assist in making up the shortfall.''
Donations should be sent to The Treasurer, 9 Sherbrooke Drive,
Glasgow, G41 5AA.
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