The Harrow Wurlitzer – Re-Born!

The Harrow Wurlitzer plays again as work continues to restore the Wurlitzer to former glory!

The Re-Birth

The Harrow & Pinner history group and the Cinema Theatre Association joined forces in May 2026 for a short teaser of the re-birth of the Harrow Wurlitzer following five months of work by Damon Cox and Nick Ashton to get the instrument playing.

During this time the Management were able to observer the impact the Wurlitzer had with its members and this new working relationship means we have been able to restore some water damaged parts and have the organ played while the gym in operation.

Michael Wooldridge played for the teaser event and the video shows the opening/

We are aiming to have the Wurlitzer ready for a special concert to tie in with its 90th Birthday in 2027.

2026 Restoration

Some of the work carried out so far has been

  • New Lighting and cleaning equipment in the chamber.
  • The Console “Winker” or equaliser has been restored
  • Both 16ft Tibia Chests have been restored

Some of the work to be completed immediately to bring the instrument into full working order.

  • Restoration of the Toy Counter
  • Restoration of the 16′ Tibia Chest

History

The cinema was designed by J. Owen Bond & Son with interior by Theodore Komisarjevski, opened on 25th October 1937 with a seating capacity of 1900. Harry Farmer opened the Wurlitzer organ.

It fell into disuse after the team of organists was dismissed during the late 1950s, but was restored by Dennis Hunt in time for a 1968 BBC broadcast by Keith Beckingham. The Wurlitzer was featured throughout 1970-1974 as part of the film programme by Len Rawle, Frank Fowler and veteran Granada organist Nelson Elms, even after tripling of the theatre in 1973.

In 1983 it was reported that the Granada was to be demolished for re-development, however it survived and was listed by the Department of the Environment in 1988. The Granada was sold to the Cannon group in 1989 and subsequently renamed, remaining as a cinema. The Wurlitzer continued to be used for concerts and the occasional film show.

By 1996 the theatre had become an ABC and was closed at very short notice on November 7 of that year. Once again the fate of the organ seemed to be hanging by a thread. By 2002 the cinema had changed hands yet again, this time becoming a gymnasium.

For many years the building was abandoned; it suffered water damage and the organ chambers became home for a large number of pigeons. The area was declared hazardous and the chambers were secured until the new owners approached Len Rawle to restore the damaged parts.

Subsequently several ATOS concerts took place between 2002 and 2005, featuring Len Rawle and Kevin Morgan amongst others.  They demonstrated what a fine instrument it continues to be.

In order to keep the vulnerable main cable clear of any water/dampness in the orchestra pit, the console remains fully elevated on its lift in full view of all who attend the gymnasium.