One of the most important aspects of the work of BIOS is to preserve Britain’s heritage of good quality pipe organs. Many have been lost already through diminishing need and changing patterns of worship. Others are lost to the superficial allure of electronic simulations, whilst still more disappear when buildings become redundant or are demolished.  BIOS is therefore developing a system of early warning of redundancies, with specialist background support, in trying to preserve a given instrument – preferably by keeping an organ in its existing location. BIOS continues to seek to identify significant redundant instruments of high quality, which are judged to be of particular value and importance in UK heritage, for which every effort must be made to keep their integrity intact.

Andrew Hayden, BIOS Casework Officer, can be consulted for fuller details of any particular instrument, and also be notified of potential or actual redundancies:  

When circumstances dictate that there is no possibility of retaining a quality instrument in its existing location, efforts are made to find an appreciative new home.  

Please note that a full searchable list of all organs known to be available for transfer (including those of historic interest) is available on the Institute of British Organ Builders' website [click this link for a direct transfer].

A further, though not always up-to-date, selection of instruments and organ parts (including pipework) is available through the The Redundant Organ Re-housing Company Ltd. (RORCL). Please consult the RORCL website (http://www.rorcl.org) through the hotlink for further details.