The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #165953   Message #3986416
Posted By: Bonnie Shaljean
08-Apr-19 - 04:14 AM
Thread Name: Council destroys pipe organ
Subject: RE: Council destroys pipe organ
I second this suggestion, ESPECIALLY since the taxpayers footed the bill and I'll bet weren't consulted. Now the council is merrily spending a gazillion on tarting up (from what I can see) the rest of the bloody building instead!!! I'm sure some concentrated local indignation would get their attention. Are the bureaucrats who carried out this desecration elected? Even if not, no public official likes being embarrassed. Even worse is being embarrassed on the internet. Could be awkward next time voting or appointment time comes around.

From the link above:

The organ, the largest of its kind built by British firm John Compton and Company, had been in-situ at the Civic Hall since 1938 but is no more after the 6,241 pipes, paid for by taxpayers eight decades ago, were taken to a landfill site over asbestos fears.

Wolverhampton Council insist the organ has not technically been scrapped as the console has been preserved, but experts say it is the pipes that are at the heart of an organ and make it what it is – adding that a console makes up less than five per cent of an organ.

One expert said: "It is like a priceless, rare car has been sent to the scrapyard, and they've offered the steering wheel in return.