The New Chapel Organ
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In November 2024, Brasenose celebrated the completion of a remarkable project: the installation of a new Chapel organ that restores the full beauty and character of the instrument first heard here more than a century ago. This achievement has been made possible through the exceptional generosity of Honorary Fellow Gerald Smith (Philosophy 1984), and Margo Smith, whose support has brought new life to one of the College’s most cherished spaces.
Chapel organs play a central role in the rhythm of College life. They accompany moments of celebration and remembrance, support the musical and spiritual growth of students, and help sustain the rich choral tradition that has shaped generations at Brasenose. A chapel organ is more than an instrument; it is a voice that binds the community, enriches our services and invites reflection, creativity and connection.
The new Brasenose organ has been crafted by the organ builders Orgues de Facto in Belgium, following the English Romantic model of William Hill & Son, who installed the original organ in 1892. The historic casework by Sir Thomas Graham Jackson has been beautifully restored and now houses entirely new sound boards, mechanical actions, internal frames and both wooden and metal pipework. A new console offers modern reliability while remaining faithful to the instrument’s heritage.
One of the most significant aspects of the project is the restoration of the west-facing façade pipes from the 1892 organ. Long retained as silent pipes in later instruments, they have been re-lengthened and returned to full speaking voice. To honour Hill’s original design, the Orgues de Facto team conducted detailed analysis of the original pipework, paint finishes and varnishes. The result is a fifteen-stop instrument whose tonal richness evokes the nineteenth-century organ while offering new possibilities for performance and worship.
Thanks to the generosity of the Smiths, this inspiring addition to the Chapel will serve the College for generations. It stands as a reminder of how philanthropy preserves our heritage, enriches the daily life of students and staff, and ensures that music continues to lift the hearts and voices of the Brasenose community.
