300-year-old organ restored

The exterior of a 17th century organ at St John's Co-Cathedral has been restored to its former glory.

The first phase of the restoration, which included cleaning and reintegrating the carved and gilded wooden cases, took eight months to complete.

The organ cases feature intricate baroque design. Decorative elements include gilt foliage, scrolls and supporting caryatids, together with shields displaying the coat-of-arms of Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner and those of the Order of St John. The second phase of the restoration, which involves the organ's musical mechanism, will take place in Italy.

The project is an initiative of the St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation, dedicated to ensuring the conservation of the Co-Cathedral architecturally and as a place of worship.