Organ builder. Born north-west London. His first London workshop was in Foundling Terrace, Gray's Inn Road. Then when he got the commission to build the large organ for the Great Exhibition he moved to larger premises in Argyle Square/Street at King's Cross. In 1859 he moved his works to 119 Albany Street and in 1863 to The Rotunda in Rochester Place. Built organs for many cathedrals and, in London, for Alexandra Palace, Royal Albert Hall and St Paul's Cathedral. Died at home, Argyle Villa, 2 Bartholomew Road. The title 'father' was given partly to differentiate him from his nephews and sons who also worked in the business but also as a mark of respect.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
'Father' Henry Willis
Commemorated ati
Henry Willis
Greater London Council 'Father' Henry Willis, 1821 - 1901, organ builder, liv...
Other Subjects
Bazaar, Kings Road
The first Bazaar boutique was opened by Mary Quant at 138a Kings Road, in 1955. More information and photos at our Image Source, the magnificent Another Nickel in the Machine. Quant opened a second...
1 memorial
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
Designer and television personality, best known for his appearances on the BBC programme 'Changing Rooms'.
1 memorial
William Abeling
Clockmaker, lived and worked Wynyatt Street and in 1820 installed a watchmakers window. From the Keeper of the Clockmakers' Museum at Guildhall: "William Abeling (sic) was not a member of the Wor...
1 memorial
Dame Lucie Rie
Potter. Née Gompertz in Vienna into a rich, intellectual family. 1938 she and her husband fled Nazism intending to go to the USA but Lucie, already more interested in her work than her husband, dec...
1 memorial
2012 Olympic Games bell
It is the largest harmonically-tuned bell in the world. It was designed by the Whitechapel Foundry, but because of its size, they were unable to cast it. The task was carried out by a Dutch company...
1 memorial
Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in to see them