Forster and Andrews was a British organ-building firm based in Hull, England. The company was founded in 1843 by John Forster (1809–1885) and James Andrews (1813–1892). It operated for approximately 80 years, producing pipe organs for churches, cathedrals, concert halls, and other institutions across the United Kingdom and abroad.
History
- Establishment: The partnership began in the mid‑19th century, during a period of rapid growth in church construction and organ demand in Victorian Britain.
- Workforce and Facilities: At its peak, the firm employed a sizable team of craftsmen, including pipe makers, woodworkers, and voicers, and maintained workshops equipped for the full range of organ construction and restoration tasks.
- Closure: The business ceased operations in 1924, following a decline in new commissions and changing musical tastes after World War I.
Notable Instruments
- St John's Church, Leeds – A large Romantic‑style organ installed in 1865, noted for its rich tonal palette.
- St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh – Completed in 1885, featuring a four‑manual console and a diverse stop list.
- Bristol Cathedral – The firm supplied a major organ rebuilding in 1903, integrating both traditional and newer tonal designs.
Legacy
- Many surviving Forster and Andrews organs are valued for their historic craftsmanship and are subject to preservation efforts by heritage organizations and organ societies.
- The firm’s work is documented in several organ reference works, including The Organ: An Encyclopedia and the archives of the British Institute of Organ Builders.
