What is the Compton Organ?

The Compton Organ is a historic theatre pipe organ built by the John Compton Organ Company, one of the major British makers of cinema organs in the early 20th century. Around 261 organs of this type were built for cinemas, town halls and other venues across the UK and Ireland. They were the largest domestic producer of cinema organs.

Where was this specific Compton Organ originally located?

This particular organ was installed in the State Cinema (later renamed the Granada Theatre) on St Peter’s Hill in Grantham when the venue opened in 1937. It was one of three cinema organs in Grantham, the other two being in the Picture House a few doors down (A classical organ by J.W.Walker – installed before Cinema Organs were refined into what we knew later in the 1930s) and then in much later years, the Wurlitzer organ in the BMARCo Social Club, which had originally been installed in the DECCA studios, and can be heard on numerous early recordings, including some by Vera Lynn.

All three instruments eventually left Grantham, the Wurlitzer now lives in a private collection in East Anglia, the Walker was scrapped, and the Compton of course has recently returned to the town after a 53 year journey around the country.

What role did it play at the Granada?

The organ was an important part of the theatre experience — rising up on a lift from below the stage and often played before films. It became a beloved feature of Saturday morning shows and other cinema events for many years, the dawn of the Cinema Organ in the UK did not coincide with its invention as it did in the United States, it took off much later here, with the majority of instruments having been installed after the invention of talking pictures, so the accompaniment of silent movies wasn’t hugely common. Where our instruments in the UK excelled were in recital mode, intermissions, and importantly Radio Broadcasts – of which the Granada organ featured often.

Who were some of the organists who played it?

Over the years the instrument was visited by the who’s who of the organ world – right from the early days after it was just installed and was opened by Reginald New and played by many touring organists over the years. Towards the end of its life in the cinema, it was played by a great number of well known faces in the organ world, such as John Mann, Geoff Stephenson, and to give the last concert on the instrument before its removal was arguably the most famous name of them all – Reginald Dixon, Mr Blackpool himself from the Tower Ballroom.

What happened to the organ when the Granada closed?

The Granada ceased film operations in the 1970s and became a bingo hall, and the building was eventually demolished in 1988. The organ was removed when the building went over to Bingo as was so often the case, and then began its journey around the country to its first home with Mr Eddie Dent, in Sheffield.  

How did the organ return to Grantham?

After spending many decades in private hands, the organ was recently brought back to Grantham and has now been acquired and is currently being installed at Grantham Museum as a permanent part of Granthams living history.  

What’s happening to the organ at Grantham Museum now?

Work is currently underway to install the organ inside the museum. Progress updates from the museum team show components like the relay and shutter frame being prepared for installation, with the pipework and chests starting to go in soon.

Will the organ be played again?

The East Midlands Organ Museum are collaborating with Grantham Museum to bring the organ back to life. Plans include using the instrument for regular concerts and musical events so visitors can both see and hear it in action from May 2026.

Why is the organ important?

The Compton Organ represents a unique piece of cultural and musical heritage from Grantham’s cinema history — a time when theatre organs were a central part of entertainment before and during the war years. Being returned to its hometown makes it an exciting highlight of local history.

There is a group you can join on Facebook for the East Midlands Organ Museum – https://www.facebook.com/groups/eastmidsorganmuseum

Can people visit the organ now?

Yes! The Compton Organ will be on display at Grantham Museum, where visitors can learn about its history and ongoing restoration. We are sharing posts on our social media regularly as it is being installed, helping connect the exhibit to community memory.

Can I visit the organ as it is being installed?

We are hosting open days throughout March on days the Museum is open (Thursday, Friday and Saturday).  You are welcome to come and see the work being completed. Donations are welcome and accepted to support the cost of the installation. More information will follow shortly on this.

How much is it costing the Museum to install the Organ?

Fortunately, the instrument was restored in its previous home by its last owner before being purchased by the team at the East Midlands Organ Museum and then going on lifetime loan to Grantham Museum, however the cost of items required for the installation, including wiring, wind trunking, new lighting, leather, and other materials required to make the installation possible is expected to be around £4,500.

Can I support the installation of the Organ?

Yes — there are several ways you can support the installation of the Compton Organ through our dedicated sponsorship packages.

Options range from becoming a Key Supporter (£25), which includes recognition and an invitation to a special pre-opening evening, through to Founder Sponsor (£1000), which offers permanent plaque recognition, press and website mentions, event invitations and recital tickets. Higher sponsorship levels also include tickets to the first recital and to Carl Heslop’s August talk, “Bringing the Compton Home: The Story, Science, and Legacy of a Remarkable Organ.”

Your support will directly help bring this remarkable instrument fully back to life in Grantham, and once this is finished, your continued support will help to arrange concerts, fund workshops for young organists, and arrange other events at which this wonderful musical instrument can continue to serve the people of Grantham.

When can I hear the Organ play music again?

We’re aiming for the first notes to be played in May, marking an exciting milestone in the organ’s reinstallation at Grantham Museum.

To celebrate, we’re planning a special ‘Friends of the Museum’ exclusive open evening, giving members the chance to experience the organ in action. You can become a Friend of the Museum online at https://granthammuseum.org.uk/membership/

There is also an upcoming talk by Carl Heslop, Grantham Museum Trustee and Organ Installer from the East Midlands Organ Museum, where you can learn more about the organ’s history and installation. Tickets can be booked here, https://granthammuseum.org.uk/events/

Will you be hosting events to play the organ?

Yes, we are in the process of organising a variety of events to showcase the Organ. Sign up to our newsletter online to be the first to find out. The team from the East Midlands Organ Museum will be hosting monthly “Open Console” days, for supporters to come and play Compton in return for a donation to the museum.