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Auction: 18038 - Autographs, Historical Documents, Ephemera and Postal History
Lot: 3087

Autographs
Edward Elgar
1903-05 a group of letters to Edwyn Gurney (his landlord). The first, dated 1904 (7 November) is from "C. Alice Elgar" on Plas Gwyn note paper, the subject being the garden of the house; the next letters, all from Edward Elgar, with 1904 (12 December) on Atheneum Club note paper stating that, despite being given the chair (professorship) at Birmingham, he had no desire to leave Hereford and is signed "Edward Elgar"; 1903 (16 February) on Plas Gwyn, Hereford note paper where he writes, "I should be so much obliged if you would kindly sign the enclosed "guarantee" (so called) for my niece ..."; another letter from Plas Gwyn enclosed a cheque for rent with calculations deducting tax) which is unusually signed "Edward Wm Elgar"; and a letter from Novello & Co in London enclosing a cheque and asking for the receipt to be sent to Plas Gwyn. An interesting group relating to his time living in Hereford. (5 letters). Photo

Sir Edward William Elgar (1857 – 1934) was an English composer, many of whose works have entered the British and international classical concert repertoire. Among his best-known compositions are orchestral works including the Enigma Variations, the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, concertos for violin and cello, and two symphonies. He also composed choral works, including The Dream of Gerontius, chamber music and songs. He was appointed Master of the King's Music in 1924.

Elgar was knighted at Buckingham Palace on 5 July 1904. The following month, he and his family moved to Plâs Gwyn, a large house on the outskirts of Hereford, overlooking the River Wye, where they lived until 1911. Between 1902 and 1914, Elgar was at the zenith of popularity.


Edwyn Gurney was the son of the former mayor of Hereford

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