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| Leeds Town Hall - Victoria Hall |
| The Victoria Hall houses the magnificent organ designed as a '5 manual' by Henry Smart of London and William Spark of Leeds. It was built by Gray & Davison of London between August 1857 and April 1859. The case was designed by Cuthbert Brodrick and made by Thorp & Atkinson of Leeds, with ornaments carved by Matthews of Leeds. The cost was originally estimated to be £4,000. Although the organ was unfinished on the opening ceremony of the Town Hall, it was played by Henry Smart, accompanying a large chorus in the National Anthem and the Hallelujah Chorus. The organ was finished a few months later and was publicly inaugurated on 7 April 1859 by Smart and Spark, who gave two public performances. The echo organ was added in 1865 bringing the final cost to £6,500. Today, its value is estimated at 1.25m pounds. At the time of its construction, the organ was one of the largest in Europe being 50 feet high, 47 feet wide and 27 feet deep at the centre. It weighs nearly 70 tons and has approximately 6,500 pipes. Wind was provided by 5 hydraulic engines designed by David Joy of Leeds. The instrument was rebuilt in 1898 and 1908 and entirely reconstructed in 1972, the number of manuals being reduced to 3 and the console moved to the front stage area. It is raised and lowered by hydraulic lift from its storage place in the Crypt. The Victoria Hall, Albert Room and several smaller meeting rooms within the Leeds Town Hall are available for hire for events. The Victoria Hall, Albert Room and other function/meeting rooms are available for hire. Promote YOUR business in 360º - click here for details.... VR Photography © Red Door VR Limited. |