April 2007 - Uxbridge console is finished and the next day HWS receives the go ahead for what is our most prestigeous project yet - the restoration of the wonderful 4 manual Compton organ in the Hammersmith Apollo, formerly the gorgeous Odeon cinema.
This year has been extremely busy for us so far with pipe organ restoration projects. This latest contract will be our finest achievement. Read all about it in the projects section.
March 2007 - Restoration of the console of the 1931 Compton cinema organ at the former Regal cinema Uxbridge starts
The lovely two-manual console of the oldest surviving Compton cinema organ still in its original location has laid forlorn and in an aweful state for years. HWS is now starting the full restoration of it and is returing it to polished wood as it originally came out of the factory.
February 2007 - work starts on restoration and modifications to Sunbury Parish Church Lewis/Compton organ
June 2006 - HWS senior partner Peter Hammond invited to play the newly restored Cameo cinema Regent St Compton organ for a University of Westminster event.
One of HWS Associates’ recently finished projects is the complete restoration of the ex-Cameo cinema Regent St, London Compton cinema organ. The organ was given its first public airing for over 10 years in February and is to be featured at an event in June with Peter Hammond at the console. The small but very nice ex-cinema is now owned by the University of Westminster. See the projects page for more details on the restoration.
May 2006 - Work progresses on the restoration of the former ABC cinema Plymouth Compton organ at Blackheath Halls
With the great news that Barclays Capital have made a donation towards the organ project at Blackheath Halls, HWS are now able to proceed with the restoration process and we have started by dismantling the organ console, stripping out old wiring and will be installing the new control system soon. Work on the organ’s original Melotone unit is also underway and so far we have managed to get most of it working, which is great news as tis was probably the finest and best-known Melotone ever made! The projects page has all the details on this wonderful venture.
May 2006 - St Mary’s church Teddington organ modifications
HWS has been given the go-ahead for modifications to a small Victorian pipe organ at St Mary’s church Teddington. The work will consist of retuning the entire organ to concert pitch (it is currently at a pitch sharper than normal), adding some suitable digital ranks to the organ and also adding thumb pistons to control combinations of both the old and new stops. See the projects page for more details.
May 2006 - HWS in the frame to be asked to tender for full-scale feasibility study for the State cinema Grays regeneration
HWS have been liaising with Thurrock council for some time about the future plans and use for one of the UK’s finest and most original Art Deco cinemas. The State in Grays, Essex has been unused for many years but with input from HWS and interest from the UDC and local council things are looking positive. HWS is, we believe, in the frame to be asked to tender for a full-scale feasilbilty study which would explore all avenues as to the building’s future.
