Sutton Valence School – A place of history
The school was founded in 1576 as the Free Grammar School of William Lambe in Sutton Valence, by William Lambe, Master of the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and a member of the Chapel Royal of Henry VIII.
Situated near Maidstone the school has extensive facilities, grounds and a wonderful chapel. The organ that we replaced was already digital, an Allen dating from 1986 which was once the touring organ of famous musician, the late Carlo Curley.
Replacing an old Digital Organ
A very large 3 manual had given good service but needed an overhaul, especially the speakers which were very well worn out so rather than repair, the school took the decision to by a new custom built Regent Classic drawstop organ.
Part of the work we did was rebuilding the speaker enclosures on the west end wall to which we added some new faux pipe facades as you see in the picture above.
Much of the work was done in the summer holiday of 2015 with the organ installation taking place on September 22nd (2015) just a couple of weeks after the start of term.
To see the stop table list go to the Client Installation page.
I have had a passion for church organs since the tender age of 12. I own and run Regent Classic Organs with a close attention to the detail that musicians appreciate; and a clear understanding of the benefits of digital technology and keeping to the traditional and emotional elements of organ playing.
Before the Allen organ, the chapel had a Compton pipe organ in the rear gallery, with the console in the south choir.