COOPER & CO - Key Persons

Andrew Cooper commenced training under Henry Willis, 4 in 1979, during which time he gained experience in all areas of the craft, both in the workshop and on-site. In 2011 he established his own company, having dissolved the partnership he had formed. Since then a wide range of projects have been undertaken. He is assisted by his wife Julie, who acts as administrator.

Joel Whybrew has a keen interest in the visual arts including sculpture, in which discipline he obtained a B.A. His lucid approach has quickly established his place as a valuable member of the team. His early experience with companies such as Lego enabled him to explore the link between creative design and engineering realisation. Subsequent employment with the old-established London organ building firm of Bishop & Son gave him a good grounding in the fundamentals of traditional organ building techniques which he has continued to develop since arriving at Cooper & Co. Joel's musical interests include folk music and he is a regular on various folk scenes throughout the south of England. He continues to pursue his artistic interests and has recently exhibited some of his work in the Denis Collins Gallery in Wexford.

John Davey first showed an interest in church organs as a chorister. Whilst a student at King's College, London, John started his career in organ building with David Wells organ builders of Liverpool where he experienced the many aspects of the trade, on-site and in the workshop. Upon completion of his studies, John moved to Northern Ireland where he worked as a sub-contract organ builder for Wells Kennedy and the Pipe Organ Preservation company (of Ireland). In 2008 John moved to France where, in addition to organ building, he was also elected onto the scientific and technical board of the CPRB which is the Breton equivalent of English Heritage. John first met Andrew when Cooper & Co. were rebuilding the Oldknow organ in the Anglican church of St Bartholomews, Dinard. In 2015 John started working with Andrew and in 2016 John and his family moved back to the UK to take up a permanent role with the company. John's hobbies include, but are not limited to, music, bee-keeping and classic cars.