1. This was the Wurlitzer at the Trocadero cinema, Elephant & Castle, London. Just visible in this
early photograph is the decoration either side of the music desk, which was a stylized
representation of an elephant carrying a castle on its back! This also appeared in neon on the theatre's
frontage. The console decoration was removed when it was repainted in the mid 1930's, but this has recently
been reinstated during a complete restoration in the organ's current home.
2. The organ was purchased by the Cinema Organ Society at the end of 1960 and removed to storage.
After many years of trying to find a new home in the Elephant & Castle area, arrangements were finally
made with the Polytechnic of the South Bank - now the South Bank University.
3. When the instrument was opened on 22nd December 1930, it was the largest Wurlitzer organ in Europe
with 4 manuals and 21 ranks of pipes. Since the additions made in 1986 it now stands at 24 ranks and is still
joint holder of the record with the ex.Empire Leicester Square instrument installed, with additions, in the home of
the well known organist, Len Rawle.
4. The organ was opened by Quentin M. Maclean who had studied before the First World War in
Germany. He previously became well-known for his silent film accompaniments and musical arranging when
appointed organist at the Regent, Brighton in 1921. After other residences he moved to the Trocadero in the
more 'down market' area of inner London. The tough working class audiences South of the river
took to him immediately and, such was their appreciation of both his classical and light music
repertoire, he remaned resident organist at the 'Troc' until 1939.
5. The final broadcast of the Wurlitzer from the Trocadero was on the BBC Light Programme on 15th November 1960 with
William Davies at the console. This was the very first organ broadcast in VHF Stereo.
