In 2020 Makin organs celebrates 50 years in business since the company was founded by Mr John Pilling in 1970. He became involved in a successor company of the famous John Compton Organ Company which pioneered the building of electronic organs well before the second world war. Mr John, as he was known, always had a keen interest in pipe organs and church music since schooldays when he had my first lessons on the organ. For years he was Organist and Choirmaster at a large church with an excellent choir where he was privileged to play a large four manual pipe organ. His interest in electronic organs started when it was apparent that the cost of rebuilding, or completely overhauling, this aged pipe organ had become prohibitive.
Whilst much has changed since Mr Pilling’s days, especially with the continual development of technologies, the essence of the company remains the same and we are confident that he would be very happy with the whole company. Dr Keith Harrington, who became Managing Director in 2004 commented “I felt a great sense of history, awe and responsibility when I took over from David Clegg as M.D. David had worked for Mr Pilling for many years and was steeped in his philosophy”. Keith added “Stories surrounding Mr Pilling have taken on a legendary status. In all aspects he was a true English gentleman.”
Through the year there will be a variety of celebration events and offers.
