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
William Kent
Painter, architect, and designer of gardens and interior furnishings. Baptised in Yorkshire, on 1 January 1686. Began as a sign and coach painter. While on the Grand Tour he met his chief patron an...
Person, Architecture, Art, Craft / Design, Gardens / Agriculture
1 memorial
Murad, son of Abdullah
Gun maker active in 1524. The inscription reads "Turkish gun made by Murad, son of Abdullah, Chief Gunner in 1524" but that doesn't make it clear who was the Chief Gunner: Murad or Abdullah. We gue...
1 memorial
1 memorial
Mary Watts
Born as Mary Seton Fraser Tytler in India but brought up in Scotland. 1886 married G. F. Watts. Co-founded the Compton Potters' Arts Guild and the Arts & Crafts Guild in Compton, Surrey. There ...
37 memorials
9 memorials