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
Central School of Arts and Crafts
Inspired by the School of Handicraft, this college, founded by William Lethaby, merged with St Martin's School of Art, founded in 1854, to form Central St Martins in 1989. Other colleges have merge...
2 memorials
1 memorial
Jack Pritchard
Furniture designer. In 1929 he founded the firm of Wells Coates and Partners, with the name changing to Isokon in 1931. The name was derived from Isometric Unit Construction.
1 memorial
Dan Parkes
Clock-maker. We had 1989 as his date of death but in July 2024 we received this contact from Chris: "Dan’s distant nephew (grandson of his sister Elizabeth) here. Just to correct that 1989 is when...
1 memorial
Peter Minshall
Trinidadian carnival artist. Born Guyana and grew up in Trinidad. Made his first costume aged 13. Came to London to train in theatre design at the Central School of Art and Design. One of the first...
Person, Art, Community / Clubs, Craft / Design, Dance, Caribbean Islands, South America
1 memorial
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