Supporting British Industry & Craftsmanship
Henry Willis & Sons is one of the oldest organ building companies in the world. Since it was established in 1845 it has created over 2,500 organs including 'the voice of Jupiter' organ in the Royal Albert Hall - once the largest instrument in the world.
Henry Willis & Sons offers all services relating to the design, manufacture, tuning, maintenance, repair, restoration, preservation, conservation and installation of pipe organs and of all of the components associated with them.
Five generations of the Willis family served as principles of the firm until 1997 when David Wyld took over running the company and oversaw the move to the Rotunda Organ Works premises in Liverpool where the company resides today.
"I keep spreadsheets of British manufacturers, organised by county so when I knew I was travelling through Liverpool I got in touch with Director Jonathan Bowden - admittedly the day before - and he very kindly welcomed me to the Organ Works. It was a breathtaking double-height space, with large north light skylights and various work stations for the different processes, including a mini foundry tucked away in one corner. Everything is made in-house and it was wonderful to see the organ pipes of all sizes being worked on ready to be sent all over the world." Carmel King photographed Henry Wills & Sons in September 2025 for The Archive.
