Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas

8 Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas, IM1 2HJ, Isle of Man

Concerts every Wednesday at 1pm from July to September – See venue website.

About

2/10 Wurlitzer

Trumpet, Tuba Horn, Diaphonic Diapason, Tibia Clausa, Krumet, Clarinet, Violin, Violin Celeste, Flute, Vox Humana

Opus Number: 2081

Model: Style 200 Sp

Current Transmission System: Solid State

Original Location: City Cinema, Leicester

Original Opening Date: 4^th November 1929

Website

History

1929: The City Cinema, Leicester was taken over by Gaumont British and re-opened on the 4^th November with Leslie James at the Wurlitzer.

1957: The Wurlitzer was removed and bought by Alan Hickling who installed it at Dormston House. (This was to replace the smaller 2/6 Wurlitzer from the Picture House, Walsall)

1957-1989: During its time at Dormston House, Brian Sharp made several additions to the Wurlitzer this included a third keyboard and a Rodgers English Horn as well as various additional electronic effects.

1989: The Wurlitzer was sold to the Isle of ManGovernment who installed at Summerland complex.

2004: The Wurlitzer was not a successful installation and the venue closed. Len Rawle to bought over to survey the Wurlitzer.

2004-2009: Following that, Len was asked to restore the Wurlitzer to former glory and work with the government to find a suitable home. Over several years the Wurlitzer was totally restored and returned to it’s original specification (but keeping the English Horn which has now been re-voiced as a Trumpet)

2009: The Wurlitzer was reopened in the Marine Villa Arcade by Len Rawle.