J.  C. Bishop & Sons 1860


Founded in 1795, James Chapman Bishop’s first workshops were at York buildings in Saint Marylebone, London. He soon became well established and took on the premises of 250 Marylebone Road. J. C. Bishop quickly built a good reputation and produced many fine organs during the nineteenth century until the present day where thye still continue in business based in Ipswich.
Many features that are found in organs today owe their inception to James Bishop and he was responsible for inventing the anti-concussion bellows to provide steady wind, the Clarabella stop and the composition pedal. He was followed by his son Charles Augustus Bishop and George Speechley Bishop After his father’s death in 1854, responsibility for the firm's operations fell largely into Charles’ hands, and he was responsible for the partnerships with Starr and Richardson.
Charles Kenwrick Kenelm Bishop was Charles Augustus’ son became a highly skilled young organ builder. Unfortunately, he became ill from a young age and thus didn’t live to fulfil his dreams and potential. However in his time at the heart of the firm the young Charles was able to follow in his grandfather's footsteps showing innovation and attention to detail. The firm saw a new era of development during C. K. K.’s time with the registration of new patents and improved practices. Partly as a result of his illness, the firm reached a point where it wasn't in the greatest of conditions and it fell to Edward Hadlow Suggate, to purchase the firm thereby ensuring it's future.  
During Edward Hadlow Suggate’s time as Principal of the firm, Bishop and Son saw some many dramatic changes in organ building. He was responsible for the purchasing of new works at Westbourne Mill as the firm expanded to Ipswich, a well equipped factory, that included the largest pipe metal casting bench in the trade.
The firm had extensive connections with the Catholic Church and many instruments were supplied throughout the land to various churches and chapels. At one time or another the name of Bishop can be seen to have been involved in many famous instruments including several cathedrals however, they never became one of the "major" organ builders despite their sound and excellent work. Their work is generally of good construction using excellent materials. In later years, the company was run by John Budgen until his eventual retirement.
Notwithstanding their place amongst the great organ builders of England it is interesting to note that their connections with many other organ builders included the training or employment of many well known names who went on to greater things. Amongst these are Courcelle, Speechley, Holdich, both Forster and Andrews and their later manager: Selfe, Banfield, Hunter, Jardine, Collins and many more. As ever, the organ building world is a small one.

The instrument presented here is typical of one of the firm's small instruments from a small country church in England's countryside but not all of the pipework is of the same date. The Great pipework would seem to date from an earlier period than the construction date and to be the work of a different and unknown builder. Of no particular pretensions, the instrument does the job for which it was designed ie: to provide accompaniment to voices and modest other service music. It possesses a sweet mellow tone typical of many hundreds of other small organs that can be found throughout our green and pleasant land. Originally situated on a gallery it was removed to its current position in 1924. The organ is now situated at the rear of the church against a back wall. The action is tracker throughout. The whole organ was thoroughly cleaned and repaired in about 2015.

GREAT ORGAN

Open Diapason 8' 
Stopped Diapason 8'  
Dulciana 8'
Principal 4' 
Flute 4' 
Fifteenth 2' 

SWELL ORGAN

Violin Diapason 8' 
Lieblich Gedeckt 8'  
Geigen Principal 4' 
Oboe 8' 

Swell Octave
Swell Suboctave

PEDAL ORGAN

Bourdon 16'

Swell to Great
Swell to Pedal
Great to Pedal

The photos below show the instrument in the process of a recent cleaning and repair. The samples were recorded once the pipes had been replaced and the organ tuned.

In Preparation

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