Regal Marble Arch organ

[Dickon Love]

Ok guys, I have an update having been in touch with the UK Theatre Organ
group and its moderator, Peter Hammond.
 
When the organ was dismantled in c.1966, it was acquired by a gentleman
in Cornwall, together with the bells. The conditions were not that good,
but nonetheless, it is thought that the entire organ is there. This said
gentleman died last summer and his 3 organs (including the Regal one) is
now up for sale. The Theatre Organ group were very excited about this as
they too were not aware that the organ had been salvaged, and they view
it as one of the most important of its type. Their initial thoughts were
to set up a Trust to buy the organ and restore it, estimated to be £100k
on materials alone. They had all sorts of discussions on where they
could reconstruct it, ranging from golf club houses to a suitable
Wetherspoons pub. (Many Wetherspoons pubs are in old theatre premises.)
However despite the enthusiasm at the time, this does not seem to have
happened.
 
The organ is still up for sale, and I gather the bells are to be sold
off separately. I have been given the contact details of the vendor and
will be making more enquiries.
 
In the mean time, I have put some photos of the remains of the carillon
and organ taken (I believe) as recently as last year.
 
I'll keep you updated.
 
DrL
           
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