History

In 1913, Ernest Hawkins founded the company using his father’s initials and regarding himself as ‘son’. Both Ernest Hawkins and his father had received a solid grounding in organ building from apprenticed to Nicholson and Lord, Walsall, with a continuing employment with them. However, in 1915 the business came to a standstill until the end of the Great War in 1918 due to Ernest going into the army as a Royal Engineer. Business resumed in 1918 in Paddock Lane, Walsall.

In 1920/21, a partnership was formed with Timothy Benyon, who previously had been foreman at Norman and Beard of Norwich. In 1930, the company moved to Dudley Street Walsall. 1935 saw the company moving again, this time purchasing property in John Street Walsall, that used to be John Street School.  The company had a steady growth until 1939 with the start of the Second World War. This caused the work, apart from routine maintenance, in organ building to cease. The property was sold to J. Gardner and Co., a part of it being retained under a tenancy agreement until 1946. In 1943, Timothy Benyon passed away and Ernest Hawkins died in 1946.

With the war over, and the business now being run by Frederick Hawkins, nephew of Ernest Hawkins, and Hubert Benyon, son of Timothy Benyon, the business partnership and the trade of organ building flourished once again.
In 1947, the business moved to rented property in Walsall Wood, which was later purchased, continuing to operate in good health. In 1975 the business became incorporated changing its name to Hawkins (Organ Builders) Ltd. In March 1980, Frederick Hawkins passed away. Later that year, Hubert Benyon retired and the business moved into the hands of Roger Hawkins, son of Frederick Hawkins. In November 1980 the business moved to Lichfield. With business continuing steadily through the ups and downs of the economy, Roger Hawkins retired in early 2009 and has since passed away. The business is now run by Denis Orchard, who has worked for the company since leaving school, starting as an apprentice and who has a thorough practical knowledge of all aspects of organ building. In 2011, the company name changed to Hawkins Organ Builders Ltd and moved to 156 Kings Road, Rushall. Denis Orchard is now Managing Director of the company, with his wife Sue Orchard as Director. Darren Orchard and Vincent Orchard work on tunings and maintenance of organs, with Jennifer Mary Orchard as Company Secretary. 
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The company is now enjoying the full support of all its staff, the company is looking to a bright future.