A school in Hammersmith, London, is embarking on a fundraising campaign to raise over £257,000 for the restoration of a pipe organ that is believed to be one of the rarest in Europe. This organ, located at Sacred Heart High School, was initially thought to be original to its Grade II*-listed chapel. However, a recent inspection by an expert revealed that it is actually the only known pipe organ by Belgian craftsman Hippolyte Loret in the United Kingdom.
The organ has a remarkable history. It was smuggled out of France in the early 1900s to prevent it from being seized by the French government. In May 2024, Dr. William McVicker, curator of organs at the Royal Festival Hall, visited the school. He expected to find a standard English Victorian organ, but was “surprised and delighted” to discover that the instrument features stops with French nomenclature, indicating its unique origin. Further investigation by the school confirmed that the Society of the Sacred Heart in France commissioned Loret to build the organ for one of its chapels more than 160 years ago.
The organ’s journey to London is steeped in dramatic history. The early 1900s saw increasing hostility towards religious institutions in France, leading to the closure of convents and the threat of government seizures. Mother Mabel Digby, then superior general of the Society of the Sacred Heart, took decisive action in 1904 to protect the organ. She orchestrated its covert dismantling and transport to London, where it was reassembled in the chapel of Sacred Heart High School that same year.
Alex Dijkhuis, a representative from Sacred Heart High School, noted that Dr. McVicker regarded this organ as “the rarest he has ever seen.” She emphasized that it is believed to be the only Loret organ in the UK and one of the rarest in Europe. The school’s fundraising efforts aim to restore the organ to a playable condition, enabling it to be used for public recitals and providing students the opportunity to learn to play it.
Dijkhuis remarked, “To me, Mother Mabel Digby is the heroine of this story. She faced a significant crisis and demonstrated a level of confidence, calm, strength, and perseverance that women can still take inspiration from today.” She further stated, “We have a responsibility to the Sacred Heart sisters from Paris and to Mother Digby to save this precious pipe organ, which serves as a symbol of the enduring nature of Sacred Heart education.”
In addition to fundraising, the school is collaborating with a radio production company to develop a documentary and podcast detailing the organ’s extraordinary story. The restoration will be carried out by Mander Organ Builders, a specialist firm. The process involves dismantling the instrument and reinstalling it in the chapel once repairs are completed.
Sacred Heart High School has officially launched its fundraising campaign, highlighting the significant restoration needs of the organ. Those interested in contributing to the campaign can find more information on the school’s fundraising page.
