Built in New York for the Regent Theatre Sydney
Originally built in North Tonawanda, New York and installed in 1927 in the palatial Regent theatre, George Street, Sydney, the Wurlitzer Style 260 Opus No 1808, 3 Manual / 15 Rank theatre pipe organ formed the centrepiece of the theatre. The cost of the instrument when installed was £25,000 ($2,000,000 in Australian dollars today). It remained at the Regent until it was acquired in the 1960's by Sydney enthusiast Mr John Atkinson.
During the 1980's, John, fastidious in his restoration and maintenance efforts installed the organ in his family home in Hurstville, a suburb of Sydney where it was used to entertain many.
In 2006 the organ was registered on the National Trust reflecting it is the last of its kind, has been faithfully restored, is fully intact and is of historical significance.
Unfortunately in July 2020, John suffered a catastrophic stroke and subsequently died, necessitating his family to find a new home for the Wurlitzer with preference for keeping all aspects of this incredible instrument in once piece.
ESTATE of JOhn Atkinson gifts organ to Friends of Liberty
The Friends of the Liberty Theatre have accepted the generous offer from the estate of John Atkins to restore and house the rare and complete Wurlitzer Organ originally at the Regent Theatre in Sydney.
The Wurlitzer Organ in its entirety (organ and pipes) can be accommodated in the restored Liberty Theatre. The Heritage Architect engaged for this project, Eric Martin, AM and Stephen Lanham (Deputy Chair the Aust. Organ Society) have looked at the available space to professionally house the organ so it may be used to its full potential to educate and entertain.
They confirmed the pipes can be installed on the level of the new dressing rooms beside the stairs on each side. The space above will have the roof extended higher so a suitable height space is provided. Alternatively, the additional dressing rooms planned are located below the stage to free up the higher space for the pipes.
The keyboard console will go on a platform that is below the stage and will be raised when required. The output for the music will be from about 3.6m either side of the stage against the external walls. Compressors and other equipment will be below the change rooms behind the stage.
The installation of the Organ will be incorporated into the restoration plans for the theatre.