Biggest ever attendance for the CLPGS at Malvern - October 2018
As ever, the weekend at Great Malvern's Abbey Hotel began with the traditional wine reception to which delegates were welcomed by chairman Richard Scott, just completing his first year in post. During the reception, the Society's Frank Andrews award was presented to Norman Field in recognition of his work in furthering the aims and objects of the society. This year because of the numbers attending, the reception was held in the larger Shaw Suite, instead of the usual smaller location.
The programme of speakers started on Saturday morning in the Shaw Suite with Simon Heighes with "Ghosts in the Machine" - a fascinating presentation featuring mainly home-recorded cylinders from the 1890s onwards and including - among others - the voice of our late much missed former vice chairman Len Watts. In the morning's second talk, John Banks spoke about his life as a Westray record collector, including the hair-raising details 0f shifting thousands of records by road - and two ferry trips! - to his new home in the Orkneys. After lunch, Howard Hope spoke about the life and times of Thomas Edison's British agent, Colonel Gouraud with so much information we were left wondering how the man managed to pack so much into his lifetime. Bernie Brown rounded off the day's programme of talks with "Gaumont Symphony" devoted entirely to his love of cinema organs. Although so many of these magnificent instruments have disappeared with the demolition of their original homes, it's good to know that a number have survived and been found new locations - some of them it would seem - in the Brown household! The annual gala dinner with a record number of diners, took place on the Saturday evening and the after-dinner speaker was Bernie Brown's other (better?!) half Ann Brown recounting "25 years a groupie" - paying tribute to many of the society members who've encouraged her over the years.
Sunday began with the annual general meeting of the Society, followed by the Grand Auction, presided over as ever by our President Christopher Proudfoot. The Sunday afternoon entertainment was provided by the Jeanne Marlow Swing Trio.
A record number of people booked for the weekend -- at least fifteen more than any previous year and it meant that some re-organisation of accommodation for events took place. In past years, the auction lots have been on display over the weekend in the Shaw Suite where the presentations, annual meeting and auction take place. Such was the pressure on space in the Shaw Suite this year that the 167 lots had been displayed in the nearby Malvern Suite and were ferried down into the Shaw Suite ready for Sunday's auction by a team of willing helpers marshalled by Christopher Proudfoot and Brian Oakley.
Planning is now underway for Malvern 2019 - a major event marking the Society's Centenary. Details of events and arrangements will be announced over the coming months on this website and in the Society's Journal "For the Record".
A look back at Malvern 2017 - together with photographs of the event - can be found further down this News Page.. Photographs of Malvern weekends from previous years can be found under the archive section of this website's News Page.
The programme of speakers started on Saturday morning in the Shaw Suite with Simon Heighes with "Ghosts in the Machine" - a fascinating presentation featuring mainly home-recorded cylinders from the 1890s onwards and including - among others - the voice of our late much missed former vice chairman Len Watts. In the morning's second talk, John Banks spoke about his life as a Westray record collector, including the hair-raising details 0f shifting thousands of records by road - and two ferry trips! - to his new home in the Orkneys. After lunch, Howard Hope spoke about the life and times of Thomas Edison's British agent, Colonel Gouraud with so much information we were left wondering how the man managed to pack so much into his lifetime. Bernie Brown rounded off the day's programme of talks with "Gaumont Symphony" devoted entirely to his love of cinema organs. Although so many of these magnificent instruments have disappeared with the demolition of their original homes, it's good to know that a number have survived and been found new locations - some of them it would seem - in the Brown household! The annual gala dinner with a record number of diners, took place on the Saturday evening and the after-dinner speaker was Bernie Brown's other (better?!) half Ann Brown recounting "25 years a groupie" - paying tribute to many of the society members who've encouraged her over the years.
Sunday began with the annual general meeting of the Society, followed by the Grand Auction, presided over as ever by our President Christopher Proudfoot. The Sunday afternoon entertainment was provided by the Jeanne Marlow Swing Trio.
A record number of people booked for the weekend -- at least fifteen more than any previous year and it meant that some re-organisation of accommodation for events took place. In past years, the auction lots have been on display over the weekend in the Shaw Suite where the presentations, annual meeting and auction take place. Such was the pressure on space in the Shaw Suite this year that the 167 lots had been displayed in the nearby Malvern Suite and were ferried down into the Shaw Suite ready for Sunday's auction by a team of willing helpers marshalled by Christopher Proudfoot and Brian Oakley.
Planning is now underway for Malvern 2019 - a major event marking the Society's Centenary. Details of events and arrangements will be announced over the coming months on this website and in the Society's Journal "For the Record".
A look back at Malvern 2017 - together with photographs of the event - can be found further down this News Page.. Photographs of Malvern weekends from previous years can be found under the archive section of this website's News Page.
Top award for Society publication
"Vocalion Records" by the late Frank Andrews has been awarded a Certificate of Merit in the 2018 Association for Recorded Sound Collections Awards for Excellence. The award was made in the category of Best Historical Research in Record Labels or General Recording Topics. Frank died in June 2015 at the age of 94.
The Association's awards will be presented at a ceremony on May 11th, 2019, during ARSC’s annual conference in Portland, Oregon USA. Additional information about the conference and the ARSC Awards for Excellence can be found at www.arsc-audio.org
In 2012 Frank received the ARSC award for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research for his Beka Record Discography, produced with Bill Dean-Myatt and published by the Society as RS11 in the popular Reference Series. The Vocalion booklet - available as RS42 - has been updated with new information, together with articles by Tim Wood-Woolley and Keith Harrison.
Begun in 1991, the ARSC Awards are given to authors of books, articles or recording liner notes to recognise those publishing the very best work today in recorded sound research. In giving these awards, ARSC recognises the contributions of these individuals and aims to encourage others to emulate their high standards and to promote readership of their work. Two awards are presented annually in each category, for best history and best discography, and several others are acknowledged with Certificates of Merit. Awards are presented to both the authors and publishers of winning publications.
Winners are chosen by a committee consisting of three elected judges representing specific fields of study, two judges-at-large, the review editor of the ARSC Journal and the President or past President of ARSC.
The Association's awards will be presented at a ceremony on May 11th, 2019, during ARSC’s annual conference in Portland, Oregon USA. Additional information about the conference and the ARSC Awards for Excellence can be found at www.arsc-audio.org
In 2012 Frank received the ARSC award for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research for his Beka Record Discography, produced with Bill Dean-Myatt and published by the Society as RS11 in the popular Reference Series. The Vocalion booklet - available as RS42 - has been updated with new information, together with articles by Tim Wood-Woolley and Keith Harrison.
Begun in 1991, the ARSC Awards are given to authors of books, articles or recording liner notes to recognise those publishing the very best work today in recorded sound research. In giving these awards, ARSC recognises the contributions of these individuals and aims to encourage others to emulate their high standards and to promote readership of their work. Two awards are presented annually in each category, for best history and best discography, and several others are acknowledged with Certificates of Merit. Awards are presented to both the authors and publishers of winning publications.
Winners are chosen by a committee consisting of three elected judges representing specific fields of study, two judges-at-large, the review editor of the ARSC Journal and the President or past President of ARSC.
Richard Taylor Bursary, 2019
The City of London Phonograph and Gramophone Society (CLPGS) is the oldest society of its kind devoted to recorded sound, founded in 1919 with Thomas Edison as Patron. It supports and encourages scholarship and publication by individuals in the field of sound recordings, early talking machines, and audio preservation. The annual Richard Taylor Bursary programme is designed to fund specific eligible projects in this field, including discography, bibliography, historical studies of the sound recording industry and its products, company label research, the history of talking machines, developments of the technology and any other subject likely to increase the public's understanding and appreciation of the lasting importance of recorded sound. The CLPGS Richard Taylor Bursary grants are primarily (but not exclusively) designed to encourage applications from individuals whose research forms part of an academic programme at the master's or doctoral level. They could, for instance help fund independent research and publishing projects.
Both CLPGS members and non-members are eligible to apply for grants of around £500. Grant funds can be used to underwrite clerical, travel, and editorial expenses. However, grants may not be used to purchase capital equipment or recordings, to create recordings (including field recordings), to perform operations on sound recordings, to reimburse applicants for work already performed, or to support projects which form part of paid employment. In addition, grant recipients may submit documentation of any reasonable extra expenses for reimbursement; any such expenses must be claimed within eighteen months of the grant award.
Grant recipients are required to submit regular status updates on their projects to CLPGS. Recipients are encouraged to submit articles about their projects for publication in the CLPGS Journal ‘For the Record’.
Applications for a CLPGS Richard Taylor Bursary should include:
The closing date for applications is 31st March 2019.
The Richard Taylor Bursary was set up in memory of the late and much-missed chairman of the Society. Richard died in November 2015 after some twelve years as the Society's chairman.
Both CLPGS members and non-members are eligible to apply for grants of around £500. Grant funds can be used to underwrite clerical, travel, and editorial expenses. However, grants may not be used to purchase capital equipment or recordings, to create recordings (including field recordings), to perform operations on sound recordings, to reimburse applicants for work already performed, or to support projects which form part of paid employment. In addition, grant recipients may submit documentation of any reasonable extra expenses for reimbursement; any such expenses must be claimed within eighteen months of the grant award.
Grant recipients are required to submit regular status updates on their projects to CLPGS. Recipients are encouraged to submit articles about their projects for publication in the CLPGS Journal ‘For the Record’.
Applications for a CLPGS Richard Taylor Bursary should include:
- A summary of your project (one page maximum), with samples of the work attached if possible.
- An outline budget covering the entire project and highlighting the costs and expenses the CLPGS Richard Taylor Bursary will cover (one page maximum); please include a summary to indicate funds that have already been committed to this project and any proposals for funds that are pending, in each case giving the source (for instance, foundation name, location), the specific amount requested, and for what purpose.
- Your curriculum vitae.
- An indication of the prospects for publication or other public presentation of the project results.
The closing date for applications is 31st March 2019.
The Richard Taylor Bursary was set up in memory of the late and much-missed chairman of the Society. Richard died in November 2015 after some twelve years as the Society's chairman.
The 2018 Bursary Awards
The first Richard Taylor Bursary awards were approved by the board of the City of London Phonograph and Gramophone Society in the summer of 2018. The board made two awards, which reflected both the breadth and interest the applicants showed towards audio history.
The first award went to Malcolm McMillan, a professional musician and long-standing member of the CLPGS. He was looking for financial support to develop his idea for a website he characterised as “A discopaedia of wind music on wax”. His detailed proposal looked viable and was very much within the discographic publishing remit the Society has endeavoured to pursue over the past thirty-five or so years.
The second award was made to Dr Inja Stanovic of Huddersfield University. She was looking for funding to help cover the cost of a flight to Russia in order to undertake research on the Julius Block cylinder recordings held at Pushkin House, St Petersburg. The research she wishes to undertake is ground-breaking and, by making the award, the board indicated that this was a project it is eager to support.
The first award went to Malcolm McMillan, a professional musician and long-standing member of the CLPGS. He was looking for financial support to develop his idea for a website he characterised as “A discopaedia of wind music on wax”. His detailed proposal looked viable and was very much within the discographic publishing remit the Society has endeavoured to pursue over the past thirty-five or so years.
The second award was made to Dr Inja Stanovic of Huddersfield University. She was looking for funding to help cover the cost of a flight to Russia in order to undertake research on the Julius Block cylinder recordings held at Pushkin House, St Petersburg. The research she wishes to undertake is ground-breaking and, by making the award, the board indicated that this was a project it is eager to support.
The Society's Chairman - Richard Scott
Those members who attended the Society’s Annual Meeting at Malvern in 2017 will know that Keith Harrison resigned as Chairman due to personal circumstances reducing the time he could devote to the position. I was subsequently elected at the meeting of the Board of Directors to succeed him and I am very pleased to accept the position. I will use every endeavour to justify the confidence shown in me and as Tim Wood-Woolley was also elected Vice Chairman at the meeting, you can be sure that I will be kept to the straight and narrow!
It is exactly 50 years since I first joined the Society as an ignorant youth surprised to find that there was an organisation for people who shared my new found enthusiasm for ‘old’ records and the machines that played them. Little did I realise that my chance encounter with West Midlands members Dennis Norton and John Dales would lead to the position I now have the honour to hold.
I am very fortunate to have made many firm friends through my membership, from whom I am constantly learning new and fascinating information about our hobby. The CLPGS is not only a respected learned body in its field, but it is also an enjoyable social forum for its members, new and established, and it is important that we strive to encourage both aspects. In the case of the latter, you will find participation in your local group functions very rewarding and the Directors will assist anyone wishing to establish a new group as well as helping existing groups with initiatives where we can.
This website continues to attract new members to the Society and we have just added a Blog feature. Please select the FORUM button on the Home Page and try it out as we hope that you will find it a helpful feature. An active blog will also help to increase our visibility as we endeavour to accelerate our growth in the important period leading up to our Centenary in 2019. Please feel free to contact me at rscott@clpgs.org.uk or on 07880 740508 with any queries, comments or ideas you may have at any time.
Richard Scott
It is exactly 50 years since I first joined the Society as an ignorant youth surprised to find that there was an organisation for people who shared my new found enthusiasm for ‘old’ records and the machines that played them. Little did I realise that my chance encounter with West Midlands members Dennis Norton and John Dales would lead to the position I now have the honour to hold.
I am very fortunate to have made many firm friends through my membership, from whom I am constantly learning new and fascinating information about our hobby. The CLPGS is not only a respected learned body in its field, but it is also an enjoyable social forum for its members, new and established, and it is important that we strive to encourage both aspects. In the case of the latter, you will find participation in your local group functions very rewarding and the Directors will assist anyone wishing to establish a new group as well as helping existing groups with initiatives where we can.
This website continues to attract new members to the Society and we have just added a Blog feature. Please select the FORUM button on the Home Page and try it out as we hope that you will find it a helpful feature. An active blog will also help to increase our visibility as we endeavour to accelerate our growth in the important period leading up to our Centenary in 2019. Please feel free to contact me at rscott@clpgs.org.uk or on 07880 740508 with any queries, comments or ideas you may have at any time.
Richard Scott
Reference Series - RS44: "1918 London Musicals and Revues"
The latest issue of our very popular Reference Series is now available. Priced at just £5.00 for CLPGS members (£6.00 for non-members) including postage and packing world wide, this is another in Dominic Combe's study of the British Musical and Revue scene during the early years of the last century. Anyone who has purchased one of Dominic's works before will know to expect impressive research and rare photographs of the original casts and productions. As usual, a well-filled CD accompanies the booklet with numerous original cast recordings.
RS44 covers the year in which the War to End All Wars finally ended. Once again Dominic treats us to reviews and music from the key shows of the year, all of which are surprisingly upbeat and optimistic. This is a good sequel to RS43 - which covered 1917 - and in a way opens the door to the crazy twenties.
Order and pay on-line at "Shop", "Reference Series" and scroll down to RS44.
RS44 covers the year in which the War to End All Wars finally ended. Once again Dominic treats us to reviews and music from the key shows of the year, all of which are surprisingly upbeat and optimistic. This is a good sequel to RS43 - which covered 1917 - and in a way opens the door to the crazy twenties.
Order and pay on-line at "Shop", "Reference Series" and scroll down to RS44.
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Looking back to Malvern 2017
Another great weekend event was held at the Abbey Hotel in Great Malvern from October 6th to the 8th.
At the welcoming wine reception on Friday it was announced that Simon Blumlein, the son of Alan Blumlein the inventor of, amongst other things, stereo recording, has honoured us by becoming one of the Society's Patrons. Simon revealed that he had also accepted a belated Grammy Award on behalf of his father for his work on stereo. Simon joins Oliver Berliner, grandson of Emile Berliner and Dave Roberts as the third patron of the Society.
Peter Adamson has also received an award from the ARSC for his series of articles in "For the Record" on the Gramophone Company's Maiden Lane recording rooms and offices.
The Saturday programme proper began with "Opera on Cylinder" by Tim Wood-Woolley, played on an Edison Concert Phonograph, followed by Klaus Joessel speaking on the "World Record Controller". This was the Heath Robinson-ish device invented by British eccentric Noel Pemberton Billing for extending the playing time of standard size records by creating a constant speed under the needle. Peter Adamson began Saturday afternoon with some "Feline Fun" being a celebration of cats both large and small on discs and on gramophones, followed by Bill Dean-Myatt sharing his expertise and experiences on researching record label histories. The after-dinner speaker was Eddie Dunn, who is well known to many collectors in the UK and provided an hilarious end to Saturdays proceedings with his "Work" on Record.
Sunday morning included the Society's Annual General Meeting followed at 11am by the Grand Auction with many bargains, particularly discs and cylinders being snapped up. After Sunday lunch, entertainment was provided by the Malvern Male Voice Choir.
Due to personal reasons, Keith Harrison has stepped down from Chairmanship of the Board and being "Master of Ceremonies" at the AGM weekend. His place as Chairman has been taken by Richard Scott supported by Tim Wood-Woolley as deputy Chairman. Yes, it takes two people to fill Keith's shoes!
The Society has changed its Bankers and the account is now held by The NatWest Bank Ltd. Full details of the new account and codes are shown on the Membership page. This will only affect those who pay by BACS, normal cheque and Paypal arrangements will be unchanged.
Here's a selection of photos from Malvern 2017...
At the welcoming wine reception on Friday it was announced that Simon Blumlein, the son of Alan Blumlein the inventor of, amongst other things, stereo recording, has honoured us by becoming one of the Society's Patrons. Simon revealed that he had also accepted a belated Grammy Award on behalf of his father for his work on stereo. Simon joins Oliver Berliner, grandson of Emile Berliner and Dave Roberts as the third patron of the Society.
Peter Adamson has also received an award from the ARSC for his series of articles in "For the Record" on the Gramophone Company's Maiden Lane recording rooms and offices.
The Saturday programme proper began with "Opera on Cylinder" by Tim Wood-Woolley, played on an Edison Concert Phonograph, followed by Klaus Joessel speaking on the "World Record Controller". This was the Heath Robinson-ish device invented by British eccentric Noel Pemberton Billing for extending the playing time of standard size records by creating a constant speed under the needle. Peter Adamson began Saturday afternoon with some "Feline Fun" being a celebration of cats both large and small on discs and on gramophones, followed by Bill Dean-Myatt sharing his expertise and experiences on researching record label histories. The after-dinner speaker was Eddie Dunn, who is well known to many collectors in the UK and provided an hilarious end to Saturdays proceedings with his "Work" on Record.
Sunday morning included the Society's Annual General Meeting followed at 11am by the Grand Auction with many bargains, particularly discs and cylinders being snapped up. After Sunday lunch, entertainment was provided by the Malvern Male Voice Choir.
Due to personal reasons, Keith Harrison has stepped down from Chairmanship of the Board and being "Master of Ceremonies" at the AGM weekend. His place as Chairman has been taken by Richard Scott supported by Tim Wood-Woolley as deputy Chairman. Yes, it takes two people to fill Keith's shoes!
The Society has changed its Bankers and the account is now held by The NatWest Bank Ltd. Full details of the new account and codes are shown on the Membership page. This will only affect those who pay by BACS, normal cheque and Paypal arrangements will be unchanged.
Here's a selection of photos from Malvern 2017...
Brentford Phonofair 2017
"MASTERS SERIES" CYLINDER RECORD RELEASES
The Society's two four-minute indestructible cylinder releases in the acclaimed "Masters Series" collection are selling well.
The first is MS5: "O Soave Fanciulla", the Act I duet from Puccini's "La Boheme" sung by Adelina Agostinelli and Giovanni Parola.
Originally released in November 1909 on an Edison Wax Grand Opera Amberol No. B174/30010, this was never re-issued by Edison as a Blue Amberol and as far as is known this is the first time it has been issued in an indestructible format.
The second new issue is MS6: "La Mamma Morta" from Act III of Giordano's "Andrea Chenier" sung by Carmen Melis. Originally issued in August 1910 on Edison Wax Grand Opera Amberol No.40027, this also was never issued by Edison as a Blue Amberol and again this is the first time it has ever been released in an indestructible format.
For more information and to also hear these and the other cylinders in the Masters Series on YouTube, please follow the links on this website to "Shop" and then "Masters Series".
Meanwhile, remember the latest issues in the Society's "Reference Series". To order, please go to the "Shop" page on this website and select "Reference Series"
The first is MS5: "O Soave Fanciulla", the Act I duet from Puccini's "La Boheme" sung by Adelina Agostinelli and Giovanni Parola.
Originally released in November 1909 on an Edison Wax Grand Opera Amberol No. B174/30010, this was never re-issued by Edison as a Blue Amberol and as far as is known this is the first time it has been issued in an indestructible format.
The second new issue is MS6: "La Mamma Morta" from Act III of Giordano's "Andrea Chenier" sung by Carmen Melis. Originally issued in August 1910 on Edison Wax Grand Opera Amberol No.40027, this also was never issued by Edison as a Blue Amberol and again this is the first time it has ever been released in an indestructible format.
For more information and to also hear these and the other cylinders in the Masters Series on YouTube, please follow the links on this website to "Shop" and then "Masters Series".
Meanwhile, remember the latest issues in the Society's "Reference Series". To order, please go to the "Shop" page on this website and select "Reference Series"
FRANK ANDREWS
Noted discographer and researcher, Frank Andrews died in 2015, but many of his books, leaflets and other publications remain available.
Noted discographer and researcher, Frank Andrews died in 2015, but many of his books, leaflets and other publications remain available.
Click below to download a copy of Frank's bibliography.
| FRANK ANDREWS – A SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY (revised 2nd. July 2015) |