A sweet little note wishing Hubert Harry a successful concert and recital, from Ida Carroll.

Ref: HH/3/4

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Whoo okay, this is a lovely long letter from Ida Carroll to former student of the Northern School of Music, Hubert Harry. Carroll congratulates Hubert on a performance in London and says that she was pleased with the reviews in the newspaper. She thanks him for the handkerchief he sent and for the cheese for her father Walter and for devoting time to Hilda Collens, particularly after the enormous effort she took to get to London. She assures him that he is on the way to success, with "many friends who will be only too pleased to try to help you."

Ref: HH/3/3

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Gorgeous letter from Ida Carroll (1905-1995, principal of the Northern School of Music) to Hubert Harry, former pupil at the school. She updates him on the Northern School of Music, proclaiming that they have nearly 600 students and six orchestras "quite apart from the usual routine." She assures him that the double bass picture he, Vincent and Rene gave her still sits in her office. She had expected him to have booked in concerts after his competition success. She gives him the sizes of Rene and Pill (Dorothy Pilling?) for nylons he has promised to buy. She happily relays that she has just published her first music book.

Ref: HH/3/2

A lamenting note from Clifford Curzon to Hubert Harry. Written on the reverse of a copied newspaper notice announcing the death of Curzon's wife, Lucille Wallace on 21 Mar 1977. In his letter, Curzon explains that it is easier for him to write about the death than to telephone Hubert and talk about it.

Ref: HH/2/11

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Oof there's a lot here. So:

Curzon Curzon writes to Northern School of Music alumnus Hubert Harry. He says that even though it's difficult to write on a liner he will find it more difficult later on in his journey and so wishes to thank Hubert for his letter now. He is pleased that things are better than their previous meeting in Lucerne. He sympathises with Hubert as he has gone through this stage of his career when he was Hubert's age. He advises him that "knowing oneself serves as well in art as it does in daily life." He is glad that Hubert is living less exorbitantly than he anticipated although speculates that he's probably living very reasonably. He is grateful that Dr. Fischer's teachings have been useful and reminds Hubert that "no just reputation is made of air," and that only by having life experiences can an artist be strong and select the correct forms in his art. He marvels at Hubert's programme, calling it formidable. He relays that he is working on Brahms's No.2 after not playing it for so many years and that it is difficult, although his heart is more fully in No.1. He wishes Hubert would play Brahms for him.

Ref: HH/2/10

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Postcard from White House, Highgate, London. Clifford Curzon thanks Hubert for his postcard from Wiesbaden, Germany, and remembers playing there himself! He relays that "The season has been terribly full and seemingly endless; but we all keep going."

Ref: HH/2/9

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Not entirely sure what has happened to the letter here, if indeed there was one! Maybe Clifford ran out of note paper and just scribbled on the envelope instead. Anyway, this is a note sent from Clifford Curzon in Austria to Hubert Harry (Northern School of Music alumnus) in Switzerland. Clifford reckons it is unlikely he will visit Switzerland next season.

Ref: HH/2/8

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A sweet little note from pianist Clifford Curzon to former Northern School of Music pupil Hubert Harry.

Ref: HH/2/7

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Official magazine of the Northern School of Music, covering the academic year 1951-52.
This issue provides an insight into early post-war life at the school with the mention of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, proving to be a notable milestone for those who lived through the war moving onto brighter times.
The school's principal, Hilda Collens, had recently recovered from a serious illness, so the details of events are those predominantly organised by those in her place.
These include numerous concerts, the drama student's annual production and the school's first operatic performance (Smetana's "The Bartered Bride").
The Student Christian Movement held a number of guest speakers at the school, including a bishop from Car Nicobar (an island near the Burmese Coast) and a member of the SCM who helped rebuild a village destroyed during the war.
Pages 18-24 have been censored to protect personal data.

A predecessor of the Northern School of Music, the Matthay School (Manchester branch) provided music education to those chasing a career within this sector in the north west.
Covering the academic year 1940-41, the official school magazine provides an insight into civilian life in Manchester within the context of the Second Word War, particularly during the Blitz.
Whilst the editorial details the inconvenience of 'constant air raids', shattered windows and 'black outs', it is clear the school are determined to go on with life as it was before the war.
Observations include the importance of 'wartime music making' and the increased public interest in concerts, as well as numerous social events held by the school and two articles: one focusing on 'Creating and Appreciating' and another on living in a cripple hostel in Cowdenknowes, Scotland.
Pages 18-20 have been censored for the protection of personal data.

Ida Carroll and a man wearing very cool glasses, stood under some pretty pink flowers.

Ref: CARROL/IGC/11/1/60

With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Ida Carroll, with an unidentified, smiling little boy. Ida Carroll, lived until the age of 90, passing away in 1995.
(Date estimated)
Ref: CARROLLIGC/11/1/55

With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Photograph of two women on a beach.
From Ida Carroll's personal collection
(Date estimated)

Ref: CARROLL/GC/11/1/15

With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Photograph of a woman smiling for the camera!
From Ida Carroll's personal collection.
(Date estimated)

Ref: CARROLL/GC/11/1/11

With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Photograph of two children on a beach, posing for the camera! From Ida Carroll's personal collection.
(Date estimated)

Ref: CARROLL/GC/11/1/3

With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Photograph of an unidentified child from Ida Carroll's personal collection.
(Date estimated)

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/1/1

With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Cute little postcard sent from lake Attersee in Austria, from Clifford Curzon to Hubert Harry.

The note could say something really interesting if only I could read it!

Ref: HH/2/6

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Clifford Curzon thanks Hubert Harry for sending the programmes by post, and urges him to buy ice creams for his children with any change left over from the postage fee he included. Cute.

Ref: HH/2/5

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Clifford Curzon quotes Lionel Trilling's introduction to a copy of Keat's poetry, proclaiming that it reminded him of Hubert Harry.

He shares that "Being an artist means being manic-depressive- and we just have to learn to live with ourselves. I can deeply sympathise, because I too suffer from suicidal, cave-like depressions periodically; but I know the pendulum does always swing, however slowly, in the opposite direction."

He relays that he enjoyed spending time with him and his wife and children. "In spite of your present difficulties, I feel you have made a fine and successful life for yourself, and I am happy about it."

Ref: HH/2/4

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Clifford Curzon writes to Hubert Harry on his way to Paris. He regrets that he could not meet for a preview [of a concert?] and wishes him huge success. Curzon was pleased to meet Hubert's wife but admits that he had no idea he was even married. He asks Hubert if he will become a Swiss citizen.

Ref: HH/2/3

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Here Clifford Curzon relays that Hubert Harry's success means a lot to Hilda Collens, both personally and for the Northern School of Music, especially given her ill health.

He wishes to hear about his concerts and is impressed with his lecture series. He explains that he is currently on his sixth tour of the USA.

He hopes to take a sabbatical after next season as he cannot imagine staying in America permanently. Working in America, he says, is akin to "carrying a load of burning coals - one can't drop it... and one can't hold it."

Ref: HH/2/2

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A nice archive-y bundle of notes and letters from Clifford Curzon (1907-1982, pianist) for Hubert Harry re scholarships. Hubert was a former pupil of the Northern School of Music and Curzon wasa strong supporter of its work.

Ref: HH/2/1

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A sad notice sent to Hubert Harry from his family re the death of his former teacher, Northern School of Music principal Hilda Collens.

Ref: HH/1/61

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Hilda Collens is delighted in Hubert Harry's success in Italy and asks questions about the performance. She would love to attend his students' concert but fears she is too late.

She relays updates about Vincent Billington and how he does not have many funds, "money is the stumbling-block. What a plague money is, or the lack of it!" She updates him on the Northern School of Music, particularly its finances.

She alludes to the "the 'Royal' institutions" being heavily cash rich in comparison. She relays that the Old Students' Association raised money in a Bring & Buy sale for the School. She says she is often asked about him and people wonder when he will be coming to play in Manchester.

Ref: HH/1/60

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.