London Bridge railway station is new home for Victorian church organ

An abandoned Victorian church organ has been installed at London Bridge railway station for passengers commuting in and out of the capital to play.

Located in the arches of the station, the 1880s-style, 250-pipe church organ was rehomed in July by charity Pipe Up for Pipe Organs, a charity which rescues old, abandoned church organs, and rehomes them. 

An event was held today for the official opening of the refurbished organ, which came from United Reformed Church in Whetstone, Barnet.

Professional organist Anna Lapwood played at the event with Marcella De Gale, who works in the security team at Network Rail’s railway stations. 

The pair recently went viral after videos of them performing together at the station hit the internet. 

Phil Sherratt, editor of Modern Railways, also serenaded passengers by tinkling the ivories with renditions of JS Bach and the theme from Thomas the Tank Engine.  

Ms Lapwood said: “As organists, we often lament the fact that our instruments are often hidden away out of sight, and so they are rather difficult to stumble across in everyday life. 

“The organ at London Bridge railway station has completely changed this. It has been so moving to see it played at almost all hours of the day by everyone from small children trying an organ for the first time, all the way through to professionals who happen to be passing by.”

Martin Renshaw, organ restorer and founder of the charity Pipe Up for Pipe Organs, said: “The pipe organ Network Rail has allowed Pipe Up for Pipe Organs to install has been a runaway success. 

“It has demonstrated beyond any doubt the huge public support for playing and listening to pipe organs, from all sectors of society.”

Pictured top: Anna Lapwood and Marcella De Gale play for the opening of the organ (Picture: Network Rail)