In 1845, the origional scheme for the organ was drawn up by Dr. Samuel Sebastian Wesley. After much discussion with a panel of prominent organists of the day , and the subsequent appointment of 'Father' Henry Willis I as organbuilder, there were inevitably many significant changes.
By 1931, major work was carried out on the instrument which was long overdue. It was dismantled and re-built by Henry Willis III. The tonal scheme was greatly expanded, although Willis III was careful to remain authentic to his grandfather's original work. A new console with electropneumatic combination action was produced, which allowed for 50 adjustable manual & pedal pistons, and 10 generals. A new radiating and concave pedalboard replaced the old straight board, which was designed by the City Organist of the time, Dr. Ellingford and Mr. Willis.
On the evening of 21st December 1940, the roof of the Hall took a direct hit from an incendiary bomb, and the organ suffered damage from both falling masonary and water ingress. It was immidiatly dismantled and moved to the basement for safekeeping until 1954 when Henry Willis III & IV were given a brief to re-build the organ to the 1931 specification. The re-build, which was completed in 1957, was seen as the long sought oppertunity to change the pitch of the instrument, in order that it might be used with instruments at concert pitch. Very little else was altered, with the exception of the increase in scale of the 32' Pedal Bombarde, and careful restoration of all the damaged pipework.
Willis, in 1976, undertook a staged programme of systematic repair work. However, the closure of the Hall for 5 years from 1985-1989 took its toll on actions and pipework. In 1989, the organ again qualified for some major work After competitive tendering, the contract was awarded to David Wells Organ Builders, Liverpool, under the supervision of Professor Ian Tracey, who was appointed Consultant Organist.
The winding had for some time been the least reliable part of the organ, and so the old Rockingham plant was replaced by two Meininger blowers, with the renewal of all associated trunking from blower chamber to organ chamber. The console was completely electrified, with the addition of a multiplicity of modern console aids, and the couplers were returned to the drawstop jamb. All the cotton covered cable was replaced, and a modern radiating and concave pedalboard replaced the old non-standard Ellingford-Willis board.
Since 1991, the organ has been in the care of David Wells Organ Builders, who, through their constant care and attention, have reinstated registers which, through decay, have been silent hitherto. Furthermore, there is an undertaking to continue the refurbishment of the organ, in tandem with successive Hall repairs, until its restoration is complete.
The organ is housed in a single chamber situated at the North end of the Hall. The three enclosed divisions have prominence of place near the roof vaulting. The Swell is central, in the manner of the "Recit" of the great French organs; The Solo is on the left, and the Choir to the right. The shutters deflect their sound along the roof space of the building. The Great organ occupies the centre of the main case, along with the Bombarde fluework. The Pedal organ is largely contained in two wells on either side of the main case, furnished with grills, to allow egress of tone. The highy distinctive Tuba Mirabilis is situated high above the Solo box, and projects its ear-splitting trumpet tone into the Hall, to startling effect.
The Organ of St. George's Hall, Liverpool, is generally acknowledged to be one of the largest and finest concert organs in the world.
