Wells-Kennedy Partnership

Wells-Kennedy Staff

Christopher Gordon-Wells MBE FISOB FIMIT began his career in organ building with Alfred E Davies & Son of Northampton and has worked in Northern Ireland since 1956, finally settling in 1965. In conjunction with Philip Kennedy he established the Wells-Kennedy Partnership in 1966 with the simple aim of making a living from tuning and repairing organs. However, influenced in particular by the pioneering tonal and mechanical work of Grant, Degens & Bradbeer, together with study visits abroad to Germany, Austria and Scandinavia, it was not long before he became involved in a personal crusade to uplift the perception of the pipe organ in the Province both aurally and visually. His one-time aspiration to church furniture design has led to a particular interest in case design. Following his retirement as Managing Director in 1997 he retains an active consultancy role especially in the areas of case design and voicing. He was awarded a MBE for his services to music in the 1998 New Year Honours List.

David McElderry FISOB FIMIT joined the firm in 1973 as a trainee. Conversant with most aspects of the business, his particular areas of interest are tonal and mechanical design. He is also personally responsible for the tuning and maintenance for many of the larger instruments on the company's books. In reality both directors collaborate closely on the planning of every project, from initial concept through to the final voicing and tonal finishing. In 1997 David McElderry has assumed the responsibility for operational running of the company as Managing Director, Christopher Gordon-Wells remaining as Chairman.

In addition to the directors there are nine members of staff comprising 4 organ builders, 1 pipemaker, 3 assistants and the office administrator. Owing to the fact that most of the old skilled local organ builders had either retired or left the trade, we have a relatively youthful complement, most of whom have been trained within the firm. Each individual member's interest in and dedication to the work in hand, coupled with the close-knit family atmosphere within the firm contributes not only to a good working environment but also to the successful outcome of each project.

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Wells-Kennedy Partnership

Wells-Kennedy Staff