Visit to Nicholson Organ Works and Little Malvern Priory

Nicholson & Co are one of the two largest firms of organ builders in Britain. The firm was originally established by Richard Nicholson in Rochdale in the 1820s; his son John set up business on his own in Worcester in 1841, and quickly rose to fame through instruments such as that at Great Malvern Priory (1850). 1956 saw a move to Malvern, where (now in newer premises) the firm continues to operate.

Recent years have seen some major contracts as well as much bread-and-butter work. The Milton organ in Tewkesbury Abbey received a thorough overhaul in 2018. Current projects include major work on the organs in Leeds Town Hall and Manchester Town Hall, and future projects include restoration work at Gloucester Cathedral.

The small but beautiful organ at Little Malvern Priory is by the leading Victorian builder William Hill, and was restored by Nicholson’s in 2019. Dr James Lancelot will demonstrate the organ for the Friends.

The £25 cost for the trip will include travel to all locations, the guided tour of Nicholson Organ works, the visit to Little Malvern Priory and refreshments.

Trip timings

9.15am Depart by coach from The Crescent, Tewkesbury

10.00am Nicholson Organ Tour

11.30am Little Malvern Priory

13.30 Return to Tewkesbury

To book your place please click on the RSVP ‘Going’ button below. You will be able to book more than one place using the same email address. This will generate an automatic email to confirm that your booking has been received, please check your junk/spam email box if this does not appear in your inbox. We will then be in touch with you to make arrangements for payment.