Philip Wood was born and educated in Huddersfield. At the age of 17 he was apprenticed to the well-established Huddersfield firm of organ-builders Peter Conacher & Co. Ltd. In 1954 he was appointed representative for Northern Ireland and subsequently became the area manager for the whole of Ireland. In 1964 Philip was recalled to Huddersfield to take up the position of General Manager of Peter Conacher & Co.
In 1966 Philip Wood established Wood of Huddersfield (Organ Builders). The first new instrument was built in 1968 and a series of practice/chamber organs soon followed. The firm's first major new contract was for the Huddersfield Polytechnic (now the University of Huddersfield) music department for a 3 manual and pedal organ of 40 stops. This significant organ built 1976/77 established the reputation for the growing firm.
Since that installation the company has worked on many important organs in churches, chapel, cathedrals and educational establishments all over the country. Rebuilds have included St. Asaph Cathedral North Wales, and the famous Snetzler/Hill organ in Beverley Minster.
In 1976 Philip's youngest son David joined the firm, and in January 1999 David became its Managing Director.
(adapted from http://www.pipe-organ.org/Woods/Profile.htm)
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