12th September 2024: Wurlitzer Progress
Restoration work has been taking place on the Empire Wurlitzer by Pennine Organ Services in Barnsley. A number of bass chests have been completely stripped down to component parts and restored……. down to the last screw and washers. Several sections of the organ seem to have suffered from damp at some point (probably during the period that the organ was stored, prior to installation at Chorleywood), which has resulted in many small components suffering from rust corrosion and breaking when touched. Each of these broken parts has to be extracted and the area made good again, ready for the new replica parts to be fitted. This is very time-consuming work but so necessary in order to prepare the organ for its next 100 years of trouble-free service. As you can see, prime quality leather is being used throughout the restoration. We took the decision not to completely strip the woodwork back to fresh wood but to thoroughly clean and re-finish what was there. Each slight scratch and dent is part of the organ’s history and we felt this is part of the life story of the Empire Wurlitzer. We have therefore restored the finish and given it a ‘workshop-fresh’ look but still showing it’s age. Here’s a few photographs of some of the restoration work taking place.
3rd July 2024: Empire Sign
Good progress is being made on the building for the new home for the Empire Wurlitzer. Not only are things taking shape on the inside of the building but also on the outside too. The owner of the Wurlitzer has hand-crafted a splendid new sign for the outside of the ‘Empire Concert Hall’, which has recently been fixed into position on the building. It really is a stunning piece of work and shows the care and attention to detail that is going into every part of the Empire Wurlitzer project. Here’s a sneak preview of the sign, which will greet visitors when the time comes.
14th November 2023: Len Rawle MBE
This is a very sad day for the Empire Wurlitzer, as we learnt of the sudden passing of its former owner - Len Rawle MBE. Len rescued this fine instrument and installed in it his home in Chorleywood, where he enjoyed its splendid tones for over 50 years.
Len was closely associated with the Empire Wurlitzer project and recently visited the workshops to see the progress being made on its restoration.
The present owner of this fine instrument is keen to acknowledge Len’s involvement with the project and that the Empire Wurlitzer itself should be a lasting tribute the memory of Len Rawle MBE.
The whole team wishes to send our sincere condolences, love and sympathy to Judith and the rest of Len’s family at this very sad time.
May he rest in peace.
This page will be updated as the project progresses.
You can also follow progress on the Empire Wurlitzer Facebook page.
Empire Leicester Square Wurlitzer console
Len Rawle Residence, Chorleywood (Photographer unknown)
The Empire console is partially dismantled.
(Photo: Declan Poole)