Goetze and Gwynn Ltd. seek to recruit two full-time organ builders based at our workshops on the Welbeck estate in North Nottinghamshire, and available for sitework as well.
Our order book is eclectic, including new-build mechanical action work, historic restoration, both mechanical and electro-pneumatic work, and general maintenance and tuning.
We are looking for organ builders who have completed three or more years of training, and who are able to work unsupervised on a wide variety of different organs. The two posts are suitable for people at any stage after their training; as we already have an experienced team, we are able to adapt accordingly.
You need to be highly motivated and capable, able to work unsupervised and manage your time diligently. You will have an eye for detail and be a strong team player. To this end, a kindly approach and co-operative attitude are essentials. In return we take good care of your wellbeing at work.
The job description:
Based in our modern workshop in North Nottinghamshire, you will carry out a wide range of organ building tasks, including site work. As a general rule, around 70% of your time would be spent at the bench in the workshop and 30% out on site (depending on the workflow).
At Goetze and Gwynn, we prefer to do most of our work in-house. As a small team, we are multi-skilled and everyone has the opportunity to develop their own skillset further. Willingness to learn new aspects of the craft is essential. Opportunities to specialise if you wish, or to broaden your knowledge, both lie within the range of work we cover.
The job involves new organs in various styles, along with historic restoration and conservation of a diverse range of organs, from the very old, to 1930s theatre organs and neo-classical instruments; if you are not already trained in period restoration, that training can be given.
Goetze and Gwynn is respected for work of conservation on the older instrument; other projects include (new builds (e.g. Odiham), or new builds in old cases (e.g. Trinity College, Dublin), chamber organs new and old (e.g.Pilning; 2006 private collection), theatre organs (e.g. Blackpool Tower), organs abroad (e.g. Santiago de Compostella; Yonago), and miscellaneous projects (e.g. Gavioli 87 key organ, Black Forest organ clock). We have a (deliberately) small amount of tuning and maintenance work. There is a busy order book through to 2026 in the UK and overseas, with other clients provisionally signed pending confirmation.
Examples are Victorian and Georgian church organ restorations, a Wurlitzer theatre organ in Geneva, and a new organ for a prominent UK church.
The workshop is set within the Harley Studios, in the Welbeck estate. This is a group of subsidised craft workshops, and Goetze and Gwynn were accepted into the group due to our strong track record for historic restoration, conservation, and “historic” new organs. We are continuing this tradition; and restore several periods according to careful conservation principles where appropriate, using age-appropriate materials and techniques where possible.
Other opportunities for CPD:
Our work requires a certain amount of research into historic practices, when we come across an old organ and do not yet know exactly how it would have been made. There is scope within this role for you to do research in addition to what the immediate work requires.
If you have design/CAD skills there is an opportunity to be involved in all aspects of organ design, including designing parts for historical reconstruction.
We have a plotter, and access to CAD software.
The ideal candidate:
Essential:
- Will be an all-round experienced organ builder with a strong track record, or a competent trained organ builder
- Will have a commitment to learning
- Will have a friendly, cooperative, helpful approach to their work
- Will have good communication skills/is willing to work hard on this
- Will always strive to do the best work possible
- Will be good at assessing own work; self-correcting; seeking support if necessary
- Will be self-motivated
- Will be willing to work away on site
Desirable:
- A full UK driving licence
- A strong commitment to passing on skills
- Design experience
- Machinery maintenance skills/experience
- A particular area, or areas, of expertise in organ building
- Excellent organisational skills
- Experience with restoration and conservation
We offer:
- A friendly and supportive work environment
- A challenging, interesting and varied working day
- A lovely location in central England, with good transport links
- A well-equipped, established, subsidised workshop (3,000 sq ft), with a machine room, main workshop, drawing room, and metal shop/voicing shop
- A competitive salary, dependent on experience
- 25 days of holiday per year, plus Bank Holidays
- Flexible hours – 40 hours per week as standard
If you are interested in applying to work at Goetze & Gwynn, and would like to discuss it further, please talk to Rob Balfour-Rowley in confidence: 01909 485 635, or rob@balfour-rowley.co.uk or email the workshop: office@goetzegwynn.co.uk
To apply for this job, please send a cover letter and CV to Rob Balfour-Rowley: rob@balfour-rowley.co.uk or by post to, Goetze and Gwynn Ltd, Units 1-2 East Workshops, Welbeck Estate, Worksop, Notts, S80 3LW