by

Robert Evans

Hugh Blair ceased to be organist of Worcester Cathedral in July 1897, the association ending controversially.¹ According to Blair’s wife, writing in June 1898,

my husband (Hugh Blair) has done no work since we were married.²

In his letter of resignation from Worcester Cathedral, Blair had intimated that his forthcoming marriage

means living away from Worcester.³

By 1900 he was living at 99, Ladbroke Road, West London⁴ and working as organist of Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone.⁵ Entries in a number of biographical works record that he was employed by the Borough of Battersea as director of music or organist and choirmaster. In fact, his first Battersea engagement was in 1900 as surveyor to the Parish Vestry of St. Mary, Battersea in the acquisition of the town hall organ. Shortly thereafter he was appointed borough organist and choirmaster. In both capacities he appears to have given satisfaction. Indeed, he was held in considerable esteem and respect: even The South-Western Star, never slow to lampoon local politicians and officials, recognised the skill and dedication with which Blair went about his work.

Under the London Government Act 1899, the functions of the Vestry were taken over by the Metropolitan Borough of Battersea, one of the constituent boroughs of the new London County Council. Although the local government reorganisation had no direct effect upon Blair’s position, it set in train a series of events, undesired by either side, that brought about a premature end to the Battersea association.

Around the same time, the Battersea Vestry began to take an interest in music making. A season of free municipal concerts concluded around May 1900. They were generally considered successful although, being strictly amateur affairs, the standard had been inconsistent and there had been disparaging comment in the local press. Determined that the betterment of the local people should go beyond the physical conditions under which they lived, and in common with other local authorities at the time, the Vestry sought to provide high quality music to which even the poorest had access.

In pursuance of this policy, in May 1900, the Vestry authorised the purchase of an organ for Battersea Town Hall

at a cost not greater than £1,500.⁶

The price limit proved to be optimistic, for in June the quotation tendered by Norman and Beard of Norwich was accepted, the agreed price being £1,912 10s [£1,912.50].⁷

The Vestry, lacking expertise, sought external help. Sir Frederick Bridge, organist of Westminster Abbey, offered to advise.⁸ His assistance seems to have taken the form of putting at least two experts in touch with the Vestry rather than taking an active part himself. On 25 June 1900, William Creser⁹ stated in writing his terms for supervising the construction of the organ and on 28 June, Blair did the same.¹⁰ Creser’s proposition was not entertained, and Blair was asked if he would reduce his fees to Creser’s level.¹¹ A meeting took place between Blair and Marcus Wilkins, vestry clerk. Blair subsequently wrote to Wilkins: the transcript of the letter is dated 2 June 1900 in the Minutes but 2 July 1900 is more likely.

Re: Organ for the Town Hall

Dear Sir,

Allow me to tender my sincere thanks for your kindness in explaining the precise requirement of the Vestry at our interview this morning. I have now the honour of submitting my offer of services on the following terms:

£3 3s (three Guineas) [£3.15] for each consultation advice and arbitration in town.

£3 3s for examination of the precise specification of the organ.

£5 5s (five Guineas) [£5.25] for each visit to Norwich to note progress and to supervise details of materials and workmanship, and first class return railway ticket.

£5 5s for final examination including arbitration, should any necessity arise on completion of the organ.

I have also much pleasure in offering to give an organ recital when all is completed without any fee in order that the members of the Vestry may have an opportunity of hearing their new instrument.

If I can be of any further service either during the building of the organ or at any subsequent time I shall be only too happy.

I am, dear sir, faithfully yours

(signed) Hugh Blair¹²

It seems that Blair was aware of the vacancy for an organist and choirmaster, for a letter of the same date in the matter is recorded in the Minutes.¹³ Later that month, it was reported that Hugh Blair had been engaged as surveyor to the Vestry in connection with the organ on the terms set out in Blair’s letter.¹⁴

Blair wrote on 26 July to advise that a Norman and Beard organ to a similar specification was in the process of construction at the Victoria Hall, Bristol, suggesting that he inspect it. The offer was declined as

no good purpose would be served.¹⁵

As it turned out, it would have saved much subsequent effort and concern had Blair’s proposed visit gone ahead.

A practical problem considered in Committee was the siting and reception of the organ in the town hall. The vestry surveyor reported¹⁶ that there was insufficient space under the grand hall platform for a console of the size envisaged. He was instructed to plan and cost the raising of the height of the platform, so that the console could be stowed when not in use. Norman and Beard had written about the positioning of the blowing apparatus, enclosing a plan showing the structural alterations needed to the building. The acting town clerk reported that he planned to meet the firm on site, with the surveyor and Blair.

In the meantime, good progress appeared to have been made, for Norman and Beard wrote on 17 November, requesting authorisation to commence building the organ in the town hall not later than 1 December and urging that the surveyor be instructed to obtain the necessary sanction from the London County Council for the structural alterations needed for the installation of the organ.¹⁷ It was later reported that the cost of the building work would cost £499 12s 10d [£499.64].¹⁸

A problem arose regarding the organ case work. The builders submitted a design, based on the allowance of £160 made in the estimates for that purpose. It fell a long way short of expectations. Norman and Beard claimed, perhaps a little disingenuously, that the word ‘ornamental’ as deployed in the contract was intended to convey ‘not functional’ and was certainly not to be confused with ‘ornamented’. A way round the impasse was devised: the firm deducted £160 from the cost of the organ and the Borough undertook the task instead. With the endorsement of Blair, it was decided to design and make the organ case work within the Works Department. The borough surveyor prepared a number of alternatives: design number three in oak was adopted at a cost of £504 15s 1d [£504.76].¹⁹ When debate and voting took place in Council, there was considerable objection, as reported in The South-Western Star.

Mr. Holloway moved that (the proposal) be referred back. He said the design was not suitable for such a place as the Town Hall. It should have bolder treatment. He thought the architect of the building should be asked to bring forward a design. He further considered £200 might be saved on the proposed expenditure.

Mr. H. J. Smith seconded. He said most of the committee of experts, who knew nothing about organs, considered £160 an extravagant sum for the casework when it was first mentioned. He had not the slightest hesitation in saying the firm had treated them badly. They had said, ‘We can’t do it for £160, do it yourselves’. It had been put into the surveyor’s hands and now reached the fabulous sum of £500…

Mr. Smith: I think the surveyor has exceeded his own excessive estimates. I don’t say he is gifted with the power of getting work done well for a small sum of money. He always does his work well, but gets the most money for it. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. A. Brown hoped it would not be referred back. The material alone would cost £200. The idea of the committee in adopting this design was that they should have something in accordance with the artistic surroundings of the hall. They decided on having oak because the men would have something good to work on, and when completed the case would be a credit to the Works Department.

The amendment for reference back was lost, and the committee’s recommendation

adopted. ²⁰

By December 1900, the Borough had to contend with problems caused by rising tensions within the firm of Norman and Beard.²¹ The original negotiations for the organ had been conducted with Robert Hope-Jones, proprietor of the Electric Organ Company, Ltd. Shortly afterwards, Norman and Beard bought up the company, retaining Hope-Jones’s services. An undertaking was given to the Vestry that, if an order were placed, the work would be carried out by Hope-Jones and his own team: Norman and Beard would be involved purely with the financial arrangements. But on 10 December 1900 Hope-Jones divulged that he had resigned.²² There was considerable animosity between the two parties and although Hope-Jones wrote to Blair on 28 January 1900, expressing the hope that business relations with Norman and Beard would shortly be restored, there was to be no rapprochement during the construction of the Battersea organ.

By one means or another, the Entertainment Sub Committee had ‘received information’²³ that organs constructed by the firm since 30 June 1899 were ‘markedly inferior’²⁴ to those turned out before Hope-Jones’s involvement. The Sub Committee had set up a meeting with Hope-Jones, who by advertising for staff in The Daily Telegraph had made his future intentions clear. He let it be known that he was setting up in business again as the Hope-Jones Organ Company and was negotiating to transfer the contract for the Battersea Organ from Norman and Beard. The Sub Committee successfully submitted two recommendations. Blair was to be instructed to consult with Hope-Jones about the quality and workmanship of the organ when delivered, and not to accept any part of it unless satisfied that it conformed to the contract specification. Secondly, Norman and Beard were to be reminded of their contractual obligation to have the work carried out under the supervision of Hope-Jones.

It was known that Kirkcaldy Borough Council was also in the process of purchasing a Hope-Jones organ. Contact was made with the Kirkcaldy town clerk, whose response was that the nature of the contract of sale was somewhat different. The corporation’s agreement with Norman and Beard called for the acquisition of a Hope-Jones organ, to be constructed under the personal supervision of Robert Hope-Jones.²⁵

A week later, the town clerk reported receiving two disturbing letters from Robert Hope-Jones.²⁶ The first, dated 22 December 1900, disclosed that he had quit Norman and Beard five weeks previously, having offered to buy out on reasonable terms the firm’s interest in the instruments under his supervision. No agreement had at that time been concluded. (Some time later, a letter received from Norman and Beard²⁷ confirmed that Hope-Jones had quit on 20 November 1900 but advised that his staff had been retained.)

A further letter dated 1 January 1901 and containing various enclosures on the subject of Norman and Beard and the Kirkcaldy organ stated that the Battersea instrument would now be much delayed.

In justification of his position, Hope-Jones included a copy of a letter to Norman and Beard dated 28 December 1900, complaining that his personal reputation had suffered from some downright bad and much indifferent work, naming specifically organs at Roehampton, Bristol, Burton-on-Trent, Sutton Coldfield, Upper Norwood and West Dulwich. It was resolved to instruct Blair to pay a visit to Norwich as quickly as possible, ideally in the company of Hope-Jones, and to investigate and report on such problems as there might be with the local organs named: those at Upper Norwood, West Dulwich and Roehampton.²⁸ The town clerk presented a letter from E. J. & H. Landon, solicitors to Norman and Beard, requesting £500 on account of the first instalment of £750 due upon delivery of the organ at the town hall. In response, it was resolved to refer Landons to Clause 17 of the contract, which set out specifically the payment terms.²⁹

Blair made visits to the contentious local organs, and submitted his report, within two weeks.³⁰ He contacted Hope-Jones with a number of questions regarding the structural alterations to the town hall. Hope-Jones responded by telegram, declining to provide answers and referring Blair instead to Norman and Beard. A letter followed, received on 12 January 1901, containing a declaration that he could not be held responsible for any directions given by J. G. Jones, foreman of Norman and Beard. Jones, Blair and other officials met on 12 January to discuss the structural alterations.

Norman and Beard were clearly uncomfortable with the situation and anxious to recoup their costs. The town clerk received a further letter dated 1 January 1901 from Landons in pursuit of the £500 already requested on account. This was followed by a letter from Norman and Beard dated 9 January 1901 advising that the organ was now awaiting shipment and would be despatched upon receipt of £500. J. G. Jones, the firm’s foreman, wrote on 14 January to confirm that he could start erecting the organ on-site on 21 January, prompting the borough surveyor to issue a hasty written denial dated 15 January that he had given any such instruction to Norman and Beard.

Hope-Jones wrote that he could not accompany Blair to Norwich, as it was unlikely that he would be allowed onto the premises. Blair argued that it would be pointless for him to visit Norwich without Hope-Jones. Fortunately, the deadlock was broken: it was resolved that Norman and Beard be advised that they could deliver the organ components and that Blair and Hope-Jones would inspect them upon arrival.

More progress followed. The town clerk reported³¹ that he had informed Norman and Beard that as the structural alterations to the town hall were now complete, the assembly of the organ could commence on 21 January - but it would be another two months before the case work was ready. The lower hall was put at the firm’s disposal until the end of March.

Later that month, the town clerk reported³² on correspondence with Norman and Beard regarding delivery of materials, and payment. Blair’s suggestion to Robert Hope-Jones that they examine the organ together after delivery elicited nothing more than a demand for the rather large sum of 15 Guineas [£15.75]. Hope-Jones stressed that at least one further visit would be necessary. He would need to see and test the sound board and electro-pneumatic action as soon as the wind was put in. It was resolved to build such portions of the organ for which Blair had approved the materials.

Soon afterwards, the town clerk gave an account³³ of a visit made to him by Robert Hope-Jones, who wished to be present at the assembly of the organ in the capacity of expert. Blair backed him especially in view of the defects he had observed in the local organs that had inspected. Meanwhile, Blair had instructed the workmen to erect the heavy and light wind reservoirs and trunking. It was resolved not to accede to Hope-Jones’s request.

Soon after delivery, a letter from Blair dated 14 February 1901 was read in Committee.³⁴ He had now examined the organ components thoroughly and was satisfied except for 42 pipes, catches for the console, 59 stop key contact springs, and the swell pedal springs. But he was unable to state that the components would actually work. Mr. Pildrich, the borough surveyor, had inspected the electrical items and confirmed that they were up to standard. It was resolved to authorise payment of the first instalment of £750.³⁵

Good progress continued. Blair reported³⁶ that Norman and Beard had suggested zinc trunking, and the borough surveyor confirmed that zinc was a good substitute for iron. He further reported that the organ was ready for the electrical connections to be made to the blowing machinery, these being urgently needed for testing. For this, the approval of the lighting committee was required. Blair

reported as to the examination of the organ by Mr. Hope-Jones and his report thereupon

and, as nothing to the contrary was minuted, it would appear that things were in order.

In connection with the case work it was resolved³⁷ that a Mr J. G. Hearn of Camberwell Grove, S.E. carve the oak panels at the top of the organ case at a cost of £15, together with the device BBC 1900 for a further £10.

Although the major problems with the construction of the organ had now been resolved, it seems that they may have taken their toll on Blair. In June it was resolved that he be granted one month’s leave of absence after the opening of the organ later that month (25 June 1901), provided he found a deputy for the Tuesday recitals.³⁸ A week later, the town clerk reported that Blair had written to him on 20 June with medical opinion that he needed

six weeks away from all work and out of England.³⁹

A medical certificate was enclosed. It was resolved to grant Blair leave of absence from 15 July to the end of August and to cancel the August recitals.⁴⁰ Although the opening duly went ahead on 25 June, the ambitious municipal music scheme that was to have been centred on the organ could not be sustained.

The Vestry Finance Committee reported in July 1900 on the need for a municipal organist and conductor, who would

organise entertainments arranged by the Vestry and to give organ recitals, to which admission will be free.⁴¹

Authorisation was given for an advertisement for a municipal organist and choirmaster to be placed in the music press.

The selection of an organist and conductor was delegated to the Entertainments Sub Committee and exercised it until 22 September. Advertisements were placed in Musical Times, Musical News and Organist and Choirmaster.⁴² A total of 58 applications was received.⁴³ A short-list was drawn up consisting of J. M. Bentley, Mus.D. (Cantab) of New Cross; Blair; Frederick J. Karn, Mus.D. (Toronto); W. de Manby Sergison of South-West London; Herbert W. Turner of Bayswater, London and John Warriner, Mus.D. (Dublin), professor of Trinity College, London.⁴⁴ It was decided to approach the authorities of Battersea Polytechnic for the use of the organ to test the candidates. The trial was to take place on 15 or 22 September 1900.⁴⁵

Without an organ expert, the Sub Committee now attempted at rather short notice to enlist help. Sir John Stainer, formerly of St. Paul’s Cathedral but by now in semi-retirement; Dr. W. H. Cummings, principal of the Guildhall School of Music and Sir George Martin, organist of St. Paul’s Cathedral, when approached were all reported as being out of town.⁴⁶ Sir Alexander Mackenzie, principal of the Royal Academy of Music and Sir Hubert Parry, director of the Royal College of Music were suggested as alternatives⁴⁷ but no arrangement was entered into and it appears that the Sub Committee was obliged to proceed without expert assistance.

The audition went ahead on 22 September. Bentley had already withdrawn. Warriner followed suit, as he believed that his services would be required on Sundays. In fact they were not, but plans were afoot for an arrangement on a grander scale and perhaps an intimation of this was given to Warriner. The remaining four candidates played and were interviewed. Voting took place: Blair was the clear winner with five votes. Karn and de Manby Sergison received one vote apiece. Blair’s appointment was confirmed at the next Vestry Meeting, his salary being £150

subject to an agreement defining the duties to be attached to the apppointment.⁴⁸

The last Vestry Meeting took place on 24 October 1900. Blair’s position as surveyor and organist and conductor was apparently unaffected by the reorganisation. The first Free Concert under Blair’s direction took place on Tuesday, 16 October 1900. The South-Western Star welcomed this landmark event.

New Series

The Battersea Municipal Concerts are this season to be conducted without the intervention. Last year the parish had no municipal officials. It was therefore more or less at the mercy of amateur organisers or nascent stars languishing for attention. Democracy has changed all that. We have now a municipal organist, though as yet there is no municipal organ except The South-Western Star, on which, however, even vestrymen cannot play. The municipal organist is Mr. Hugh Blair, M.A. He is also ‘conductor to the Vestry’ which means, we suppose, that the vestrymen who cannot be transformed into councillors or aldermen will form themselves into a choral class. Be that as it may, Mr. Blair arranges and conducts the municipal concerts.

The first took place on Tuesday evening. It was eminently successful. Numbers of people attended. Prominent vestrymen stood at the back of the town hall and exhibited themselves, while they talked parish politics and made enough noise to vex some of the artistes.

Mr. Blair is a little spare man, who looks rather more juvenile than he is. He stoops somewhat, and is getting bald - evidences these of studiousness and application. He is a little fastidious too, which is a good thing, because fastidiousness on the part of the conductor secures the parish against inundations of the talented amateur. Mr. Blair is severely suave. He will discountenance the talented amateur, without discouraging him. His professional dignity, of which he has much, is tempered by natural kindliness and a ready appreciation of the amusing. To his artistes he is pleasingly and gently attentive, and he seems to be nervously precise in matters of professional etiquette. He also wears, or he wore on Tuesday, a high collar.

That Mr. Blair is a man of ability goes without saying. His manner though, when at the piano, seemed a bit churchy, but that is accounted for by the fact that he was at one time organist to an Anglican congregation… Mr. Blair’s first concert was an excellent one, the music being of a kind that can be appreciated by the common people, whose lives the moribund Vestry has is seeking to enliven and elevate, even unto the back attic.⁴⁹

Blair’s selection of music included his piano compositions Reverie and Pizzicati which he himself played. Sullivan’s The Lost Chord was rendered as a cornet solo. There were the piano duets Milkmaid’s Dance and Cockney Dance played by Blair and Charles Vincent,⁵⁰ and a number of songs including Come into the garden, Maude and Simon the cellarer. The National Anthem rounded off the evening, although The South-Western Star felt that it would have been better omitted, together with one or two patriotic songs.⁵¹

Blair had no permanent office of his own as yet, and was obliged to make do for a time with the ladies’ cloakroom of the lower hall of the town hall.⁵² Later he was installed in the office vacated by the outgoing medical officer of health.⁵³

Now referred to in the Minutes as musical director,⁵⁴ Blair seems to have been required to promote local music making generally, for he was instructed to

make the best arrangements he can for the giving of an entertainment by children of some of the schools of Battersea.⁵⁵

Following correspondence with the local head teachers, the date was set at 15 January, 1901.⁵⁶ He was also instructed to report on the feasibility of mounting a carol concert at Christmas-tide.⁵⁷ Later, these were confirmed as taking place on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.⁵⁸

It was decided in November 1900⁵⁹ that free concerts would take place each Tuesday. They were advertised in the short-lived Battersea Labour Gazette on 29 December 1900 and 5 January 1901⁶⁰ and were initially well received, as The South-Western Star affirmed.

Municipal Concerts

Be it known that by decree of the Corporation these concerts are now to be known as ‘Borough’, not ‘Municipal’. They are being well organised by Mr. Blair, the borough musical director. Tuesday’s entertainment was very different from the ‘job lot’ affair that some of last season’s concerts were. The Municipal Choir (the Corporation having omitted to re-name this institution) is being perfected. Their performances on Tuesday were very creditable. The audience was large, and apparently contented.⁶¹

But it seems that the novelty was beginning to wear off with repetition, as the same journal implied in its next weekly edition.

Borough Concert

Another of the free borough concerts was held in the town hall on Tuesday evening under the direction of Mr. Hugh Blair, MA, the borough organist. The burgesses were present in fairly large numbers, though many seats were left unoccupied.⁶²

In January 1901 it was decided to grant up to 3 Guineas [£3.15] for performers appearing at the Free Concerts; to allow £41 2s [£41.10] for the performance of the cantata Hero and Leander by the Borough Choir and Orchestra, supplemented as necessary by professionals, on 26 February 1901; to budget £49 11s [£49.55] for a similar performance on Good Friday of Handel’s Messiah and to purchase sufficient copies of the words of each work to be lent to each member of the audience at performances.⁶³

Blair drew up ambitious plans for the Municipal Choir and Orchestra, which he set out in an expansive four-page letter to the town clerk dated 8 December 1900.⁶⁴ He was pleased to report that the Municipal Choir and Orchestra were

now organised, and rehearsals progressing

as a result of which

it may become very shortly a highly capable society equal to the performance of music of the very highest order.

In order to retain interest and attract suitable recruits, it was necessary to construct a scheme of work, which would bring about

steady, gradual progress, accompanied by a large increase in members.

This would depend on the enthusiasm and reputation of the existing members, and many potential recruits were holding back.

Blair explained the format of the London musical season, running from the beginning of October until the end of May and divided into three terms or sections. He believed that it was possible to put on six important concerts, allowing suitable time for rehearsal. These would be in addition to the free concerts and organ recitals, to which the Choir and Orchestra would frequently contribute. He proposed mounting a choral and orchestral concert early in February 1901, consisting of standard works in the first half and varied pieces in the second. Messiah would be performed on Good Friday and again, towards the end of May.

Turning to the ‘ways and means’, Blair reasoned that most important musical works required an adequate choir, solo singers and a full orchestra with organ added. He described the forces required. The choir was efficient but small, requiring the engagement of soloists at fees between 1.5 and 10 Guineas [£1.58-£10.50], according to ‘market value’. Many of the components of the orchestra were not yet in place and so would have to be hired for the occasion, at fees from 1.5 Guineas for rank-and-file and 2.5 Guineas [£2.63] for leading or solo players.

As the orchestra developed, so the need for professionals would diminish. But for the time being, the cost of putting on important works would depend upon what the composer laid out. Messiah

presents few insurmountable obstacles to the industrious amateur

while Parry’s Golden Legend required ‘a small army’ of extra instruments and was found difficult even by professionals. Works therefore needed to be chosen carefully. The other outlay was for the music itself. Blair undertook to submit an estimate for each concert, showing the professional players needed and what it would cost to hire them, and the music.

Blair concluded with a declaration that

the above proposals and observations have been made under the assumption that your Committee intended their Musical Scheme shall be conceived and carried out on the highest scale of perfection attainable, so that the concerts may rank with the best in London.

In response to his letter, Blair was instructed to submit estimates for his proposed programme of concerts.⁶⁵ A further letter from Blair to the town clerk was considered at the meeting. Rehearsals were proceeding for the carol concerts on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. He complained on having no fixed rehearsal place, being forced to migrate between the lower, upper and great halls of the town hall. The upper hall was unsuitable anyway, and this treatment lowered in the eyes of the musicians the importance of their work as perceived by the authorities. Blair’s preference was for the lower hall: his request for a block booking on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. was referred to the town clerk.

It seems that Blair was an active campaigner for English composers and skilled musicians. He reported⁶⁶ that he wished to arrange for the Borough Choir and Orchestra to give a concert at which only English music would be performed, requesting a budget figure of £5 for music. It was resolved that this be put to the Finance Committee. It had been some time earlier been resolved⁶⁷ that preference be given (as recommended by Blair) to members of the Amalgamated Musicians’ Union when instrumentalists were needed for the Free Concerts.

It was decided that Parry’s Ode to St. Cecilia would be one of the works to be performed at the opening of the organ on 25 June 1901. £37 was set aside for the purchase of the music.⁶⁸ A sum of £25 was authorised for a soiré e for members of the Choir and Orchestra that was to take place on Friday 24 May.⁶⁹

It would appear that Blair’s efforts were appreciated by the Choir and Orchestra for in June 1901 The South-Western Star declared that

Mr. Blair, the borough organist and choirmaster, is deservedly popular with everybody and especially with the municipal corps of volunteer musicians. The members of the Choir and Orchestra have presented him with a stationery cabinet and copies of The Golden Legend and The History of Music.⁷⁰

The long-awaited Opening of the Battersea Town Hall Organ began at 8 P.M. on Tuesday 25 June 1901⁷¹ with the mayor, Councillor W. Davies, J.P., presiding, in the form of a recital by Blair and a choral and orchestral concert in two parts. The recital opened with a Municipal March specially composed by Blair for the occasion, and included works by Schumann, Handel, Guilmant, and Charles Vincent, who had performed piano duets with Blair at the first free concert. The highlight of the concert was Parry’s Ode to St. Cecilia’s Day to words by Pope. Other items included Handel’s Largo, the song O Ruddier than the Cherry from Acis & Galatea sung by Bantock Pierpoint, and Guilmant’s Symphony in D minor for Organ and Orchestra with C. E. Jolley⁷² at the organ. It is worth mentioning that the Borough Choir on this occasion consisted of 38 sopranos, 24 altos, 17 tenors and 23 basses. The Orchestra was led by A. E. Crozier. The extent (if any) to which the Choir and Orchestra was supplemented by professional musicians is not recorded. The event passed off well but a sour note was subsequently struck when Battersea Tradesmen’s and Ratepayers’ Club wrote on 20 July lamenting the unfair manner in which tickets for the event were distributed.⁷³

Blair did his best for the local people but he was not averse to having a little fun at their expense.

The Battersea working man and his wife and family… were a little bit disappointed on Tuesday evening. Mr. Hugh Blair, the borough organist, has wisely taken into account the tastes of the less cultured portion of the inhabitants. Accordingly the programme for Tuesday embraced fewer organ performances than has hitherto been the case. An agreeable variety was introduced by an elocutionist who spoke some humorous pieces. Some apprehension was excited by reason of Mr. Blair having chosen Wely’s Offertoire No. 4 as the closing selection. Many of the more intelligent burgesses feared that the Borough Council proposed to take a collection to defray expenses, and this seemed the more likely because of the presence of an unusual number of members of the corporation. Sacrificing pleasure to principle, several persons left before the offertory, as they called it, was begun. Of course there was really no danger. Mr. Blair’s sense of humour was responsible for the needless alarm. While we appreciate the humorous as highly as anyone, we must point out that the suggestion of a free-will offering is altogether too serious a matter to be lightly made.⁷⁴

Almost a century later, looking back on the opening of the Battersea Town Hall Organ, it would seem that satisfactory progress had been made, given the Council’s lack of expertise in such matters generally and the new, electric technology used in its construction. It had opened six months later than originally envisaged and still had a number of technical problems, but it was in sufficiently good condition to be used regularly thereafter.

Such engineering difficulties that remained with the organ were exacerbated by the ever-worsening relations between Robert Hope-Jones and Norman and Beard. On 4 July it was reported⁷⁵ that Norman and Beard had written to the Council a day previously, in the hope of denying Hope-Jones access to the organ. The Council refused to concur, reaffirming its decision of 21 December 1900, namely that Hope-Jones be asked to examine the organ in conjunction with Blair.

The Entertainment Sub Committee met on 10 July⁷⁶ to discuss the meeting held two days previously between J. G. Jones, foreman of Norman and Beard, the town clerk and Blair. Jones had once again urged that Hope-Jones be denied access. Most technical problems had by now been surmounted, but the mechanism by which the pedal stops and couplers provided a suitable and independent bass was not working. Because two weeks’ work were required to rectify the fault, Blair informed Jones that he would have to postpone the examination, due that day, until his return from holiday. The town clerk would write to Norman and Beard in confirmation. Clearly unhappy, Mr. Beard travelled down from Norwich in order to meet with the Sub Committee three days later. Discussion centred upon access by Robert Hope-Jones to the organ, the problem with the bass mechanism, and the second instalment of £1,000 which was due contractually ‘on completion’.⁷⁷ It was resolved that Hope Jones be denied access to the organ unless Blair was with him. The matter of the second payment was referred to the full Committee, where it was resolved that £500 be paid on account, as inspection could not take place until Blair’s return.⁷⁸

One G. Prior wrote to the Borough Council on 31 July 1901 applying for a fee for professional services rendered early in 1899 in connection with the Town Hall Organ but there was no record of any such arrangement and his plea was ignored.⁷⁹

Enquiries were received from the Young Men’s Christian Association and the South-Western Choral Society about hiring the organ. Following enquiries made by Blair of the Royal Academy of Music it was resolved to charge 30s [£1.50] per engagement. For rehearsals the fee was to be 5s [25p] for 1st hour then 2/6 [13p] per hour.⁸⁰

Robert Hope-Jones wrote on 18 August, stating that he was ready to examine the organ with Blair.⁸¹ The assessment took place on 22 October, following which Blair submitted a list of the remedial work required to Norman and Beard.⁸² By this time, a cheque for £2,745 had been received from the London County Council as a loan for the organ.⁸³

During the course of the year 1901, opinion began to harden against the organ and the municipal music scheme. By September, The South-Western Star had made up its own mind.

For the burgesses generally, the Council have provided an organ which is already something of a white elephant, and has produced much discord...⁸⁴

Six months later, at a meeting of Battersea Borough Council in March 1902, Blair’s suggested amendments to improve the balance of tone, for which Norman & Beard had quoted £425, were the object of ridicule in the form of an amendment approving the work

provided the cost of the work does not exceed £5.⁸⁵

There appear to be no further proposals for expenditure on the Organ. The Annual Report for 1903-4 recorded that the case-work had been finally carried out by the Works Department, the organ being

completed at an additional cost of about £600.⁸⁶

 

For its part, by the time of the opening of the Town Hall Organ, the Choir and Orchestra had achieved a sufficiently high standard within a year of its foundation to be able to tackle works of some difficulty. But during the course of the year 1901, opinion had hardened against the active participation of the Council in local music making. It is unclear whether this was simply a matter of finance, with expenditure on the organ eventually far exceeding the original estimates. Alternatively, it could be that the perceived importance of music diminished in the face of the growing popularity of the cinema. Or again, it could have been the fact that the Borough had the highest infant mortality rate in the whole of the London County Council⁸⁷ was a source of shame and concern, in comparison with which music assumed less importance.

In fact, the turning point came in July 1901, when a music scheme was put before the Council. The Finance Committee recommended an enhanced musical programme.⁸⁸

In December 1900, Blair had been instructed to construct an expanded municipal musical scheme. He put a reasoned case by letter some six months afterwards, setting out his proposals. It concluded with a re-affirmation of his beliefs and a statement of intent.

I would consider myself unworthy of the confidence your Committee has reposed in me and the great honour they do me in wishing to retain my services were I to hide from them the fact that while most heartily in accord with their educational and artistic schemes I cannot pretend to be in sympathy with many of their political views, nor would I as a Christian man take part in any proceedings antagonistic to my belief. The only honest course for me is to say so plainly and keep clear of both: my great ambition is to work in the cause of are, purely and simply, and in doing so to feel that the lives of the masses of the people were being made happier and better thereby.⁸⁹

The Tuesday concerts would be replaced by organ recitals, supplemented by vocalists and instrumentalists, and items by the Borough Choir and Orchestra and others. Choral and orchestral concerts would be given at intervals of approximately six weeks, to include carol concerts on Christmas Eve and performances of Messiah on Good Friday. ‘Entertainments’ consisting of organ, vocal and other forms of music ‘varied by popular lectures’ were to be provided on Sunday evenings. Organ recitals would be given before and after the public lectures in the series Social and Industrial England on Fridays.

The Tuesday, Friday and Sunday Concerts envisaged in the period 1 October 1901 - 31 March 1902 would have cost around £400 over and above that which had been put in the Estimates. Blair’s revised duties were to consist of rehearsing the Choir and / or Orchestra (‘as at present’) on Mondays, organising free concerts on Tuesdays and Sundays, rehearsing the Choir and / or Orchestra (‘as at present’) on Thursdays, and giving recitals before (7.30-8) and after (9-9.30) the public lectures on Friday evenings.

Blair had been offered a salary of £300, compared with his previous £150 and had agreed, provided he could keep his privileges under the existing arrangements, and subject to four conditions:

At all times other than those agreed when he was required to play the organ, he would receive £2 2s [£2.10] on each such occasion.

When an organist was needed for concerts or other occasions, Blair would be in attendance, even if not actually playing, at a similar fee. He justified the engagement when others were using the organ by noting that Peace⁹⁰ of St. George’s Hall, Liverpool and Perkins,⁹¹ organist of Birmingham Town Hall were present on all occasions when the organ was in use at the insistence of their corporations, to

                safeguard the organ against improper use.⁹²

Blair would receive a three-year guarantee of continuance of employment, as his new responsibilities would require him to relinquish his job as organist of Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone.

Blair was not to be identified with the views of any political party or pressure group, or with religious or anti-religious views.

The Committee had already agreed to the first and last of these conditions but the other two remained unresolved.

The recommendation was referred back to the Committee.

Two months later, the first scheme having been rejected by the full Council, the Committee had reconsidered and a similar scheme was now proposed.⁹³

The Tuesday free concerts would become organ recitals, supplemented from time to time by choral or orchestral concerts at around six-weekly intervals from the beginning of October. These would include a carol concert, and a Good Friday performance of Messiah. The proposed works included Weber’s Precosia Cantata; Mendelssohn’s The First Walpurgis Night; Stanford’s Phandrig Crohoore and Cowen’s Sleeping Beauty. The Sunday scheme was as before, but the front 492 seats (18 rows) would be priced at 6d (3p), the rest being free. ‘Before’ and ‘after’ concerts would supplement the Friday lectures. Blair had dropped his demand for a guarantee and the Committee had accepted the remaining three demands.

The Council passed the ‘Tuesday’ amendment, but 3d [2p] would be charged in the body of the hall (admission to the gallery would remain free). The proposal for the Sunday concerts was defeated, as was that for the Friday recitals and all else. No further proposal for the enhancement of the musical programme was ever put forward.

At a Finance Committee Meeting in September 1901⁹⁴ the town clerk reported on the progress of the auditing of accounts for the year ended 31 March 1901. Some ratepayers had objected to the free concert expenses. The district auditor had endorsed these concerns by disallowing the expenses concerned. The town clerk reported that he had given notice of appeal to the district auditor. A month on, the Finance Committee resolved that the Committee present itself as a deputation to the president of the Local Government Board in connection with the disallowed items.⁹⁵

The music scheme soon suffered a further blow. In October 1901, the Finance Committee to the Borough Council reported⁹⁶ that the district auditor had examined the accounts for the period 9 November 1900 - 31 March 1901. £8 8s [£8.40] for artistes’ expenses had been disallowed, as had £2 2s [£2.10] to provide refreshments for the artistes at the Free Concerts. The district auditor also took objection to expenditure of £187 5s 7d [£187.28] on the free concerts themselves. The Committee recommended an appeal. The Council agreed and the motion was passed. An item ‘Borough accountant - refund of expenses - concert expenses’ was the subject of an amendment calling for it to be referred back to the Committee but the amendment was lost. The Council instructed the Finance Committee to raise the matter before the next meeting of the Association of Municipal Corporations. The concerts were to continue in the meantime.

The Finance Committee met early in December 1901 to consider its response.⁹⁷ A letter from A. Carson Roberts, district auditor, was read. He pointed out that objections to expenditure on the free concerts had been raised at Audit and having deliberated on the principle of such expenditure, he had decided that

I could not hold that it was supported by law.

J. M. Pitts, assistant secretary to the Local Government Board had written to ask for any complaints to be set out in writing. The town clerk was instructed so to do.

In March 1902, the free concerts and lectures were discontinued. Self-supporting concerts were to replace them at popular prices. Free organ recitals had been a feature of the Friday lectures, for which Blair voluntarily waived his fee.⁹⁸

The Local Government Board ultimately announced on 5 June 1902⁹⁹ that it was prepared to exercise its discretionary powers in remitting the disallowances and surcharges in the matter of the £8 8s [£8.40] for professional expenses and £2 2s [£2.10] for refreshments at the free concerts.

Clearly, the district auditor was opposed in principle to municipally-funded music making in Battersea, considering such expenditure to be ultra vires. There was no reason to suppose that items that had been disallowed in one financial year would become more palatable the next, and it could reasonably have been anticipated that particular scrutiny would henceforth be paid at audit to this part of the Accounts. Indeed, after the next financial year, ending 31 March 1902, it was the gloomy task of the Finance Committee to report to the Council that the district auditor had taken exception to a monthly salary payment of £12 10s [£12.50] to the borough organist.

The Auditor’s Report was considered in committee¹⁰⁰ and Councillors Lethbridge, Barnes and Cassidy took formal responsibility upon themselves for the £12 10s in contention. It was resolved that the town clerk and the solicitor prepare a report showing the extent to which the metropolitan boroughs were at a disadvantage compared with provincial boroughs.

The Finance Committee duly reported to the Council. The disallowance over the free concerts and a subsidy of 12s 6d [£0.63] for an infants’ milk depot were considered, the Council voting unanimously to appeal over these two items.¹⁰¹ Some while later, the district auditor’s full report was circulated to Council members together with a memo from the borough accountant.¹⁰²

Once again, by means of a letter dated 10 July 1903, the Local Government Board confirmed the disallowance and surcharge but used its equitable powers to refrain from demanding reimbursement from the individual members, no doubt to the relief of the three gallant councillors.¹⁰³

The problem was constitutional: metropolitan borough councils were simply not on a par with provincial corporations. This was perceived as unfair, and Councillor. W. Lethbridge was instructed to attend the Autumn Meeting of the Association of Municipal Corporations on 21 October 1903 in order to promote Battersea’s case. He duly reported that the Meeting had adopted the view of Battersea and had resolved

that it be referred to the Council of the Association to promote legislation in the next session of Parliament to place metropolitan borough councils in an equivalent position to that of provincial corporations.¹⁰⁴

As a somewhat desperate tactic, the Finance Committee applied to the Local Government Board under the Local Authorities (Expenses) Act, 1887, for authorisation of the expenditure on Blair and on the infants’ milk depot.¹⁰⁵ But it was to no avail, as the Council learned in April 1904.¹⁰⁶ The district auditor’s reply concluded that it was not the function of the Act to legitimise recurring illegal expenditure, reminding the Council that the Local Government Board had already declined to sanction any further salary payments to Blair.

The Annual Report for 1903-4 records the inevitable in matter-of-fact terms.

In view of the decision of the Local Government Board that they could not legally sanction any further payments made to the borough organist in respect of salary, the Council informed Mr. Blair, the borough organist, that they were unable to retain his services.¹⁰⁷

 

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Please note the use of the following abbreviations:

VB Meeting of the Vestry of St. Mary, Battersea

BBC Meeting of Battersea Borough Council

FC Finance Committee

FLC Finance and Law Committee

ENT Sub Committee in Re: Entertainments

(Note: The responsibility for law was transferred following the establishment of Battersea Borough Council from the Finance and Law Committee - thereafter styled ‘Finance Committee’ - to the new Law and Parliamentary Sub Committee.)

1. Shaw, Watkins. The Succession of Organists of the Chapel Royal and the cathedrals of England and Wales from c.1538, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1991
2. Letter from Mrs. K. Blair to J. H. Hooper, Chapter Clerk of Worcester, 17 June 1898.
3. Letter from Hugh Blair to J. H. Hooper, Chapter Clerk, 18 June 1897.
4. Letter from Hugh Blair to Vestry of St. Mary’s Church, Battersea, quoted in the Minutes as being dated 2 June 1900 but probably 2 July 1900.
5. VB 26 September 1900: the Finance and Law Committee referred to ‘Hugh Blair M.A., Mus.Bac. and Organist of Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone’.
6. VB 9 May 1900
7. VB 13 June 1900.
8. VB / FLC 16 May 1900
9. Dr. William Creser (1844-1933) – former chorister of York Minster; organist of Leeds Parish Church (1881-1891) and of the Chapel Royal, St. James’s Palace (1891-1902); composer of church music.
10. VB / FLC 16 May 1900
11. VB / FLC / 2 July 1900
12. ibid
13. ibid
14. VB / Report of FLC / 25 July 1900
15. VB / FLC / ENT 1 August 1900
16. BBC / FC / ENT 14 November 1900
17. BBC / FC 26 November 1900
18. BBC / FC 3 January 1901
19. BBC 28 November 1900
20. The South-Western Star 30 November 1900
21. BBC / FC Report of ENT 14 December 1900
22. ibid
23. ibid
24. ibid
25. BBC / FC / ENT 21 December 1900
26. BBC / FC / ENT 3 Jan 1901
27. BBC / FC 7 February 1901
28. BBC / FC / ENT 3 Jan 1901
29. ibid
30. BBC / FC / ENT 15 January 1901
31. BBC / FC / ENT 17 January 1901
32. BBC / FC / ENT 25 January 1901
33. BBC / FC / ENT 31 January 1901
34. BBC / FC / ENT 14 February 1901
35. ibid
36. BBC / FC / ENT 7 March 1901
37. BBC / FC 10 April 1901
38. BBC / FC / ENT 17 June 1901
39. BBC / FC 24 June 1901
40. ibid
41. VB 25 July 1900.
42. VB / FLC / ENT 1 August 1900
43. VB / Report of FLC 26 September 1900
44. VB / FLC / ENT 4 September 1900
45. ibid
46. VB / FLC / ENT 11 September 1900
47. ibid
48. The South-Western Star 19 October 1900
49. ibid
50. Dr. Charles John Vincent (1852-1934) – former chorister of Durham Cathedral; organist of Christ Church, Hampstead (1882-1892); joint founder and editor of Organist and Choirmaster; composer of church music.
51. The South-Western Star 19 October 1900
52. BBC / FC / ENT 14 November 1900
53. BBC / FC / ENT 21 December 1900
54. BBC / FC / ENT 14 November 1900
55. ibid
56. BBC / FC / ENT 21 December 1900
57. BBC / FC / ENT 14 November 1900
58. BBC / FC 12 December 1900
59. BBC / Report of FC 28 November 1900
60. BBC / FC / ENT 18 December 1900
61. The South-Western Star 7 December 1900
62. The South-Western Star 14 December 1900
63. BBC 9 January 1901
64. BBC / FC / ENT 21December 1900
65. ibid
66. BBC / FC / ENT 7 March 1901
67. BBC / FC / ENT 14 February 1901
68. BBC 24 April 1901
69. BBC 22 May 1901
70. The South-Western Star 28 June 1901
71. Details taken from the official programme
72. Dr. Charles Edward Jolley (1860-1949) – organist of Holy Trinity Church, Twickenham (1886-1892) and St. George’s, Hanover Square (1892-1947); composer of church music.
73. BBC / FC / ENT 2 September 1901
74. The South-Western Star 11 October 1901
75. BBC / FC 4 July 1901
76. BBC / FC / ENT 10 July 1901
77. BBC / FC / ENT 13 July 1901
78. BBC / FC 18 July 1901
79. BBC / FC / ENT 2 September 1901
80. ibid
81. ibid
82. BBC / FC / ENT 22 October 1901
83. BBC / FC / ENT 17 October 1901
84. The South-Western Star 13 September 1901
85. BBC 26 March 1902
86. Annual Report of the Metropolitan Borough of Battersea 1903-4
87. The South-Western Star 13 September 1901
88. BBC 24 July 1901
89. BBC / FC / ENT 13 July 1901
90. Dr. Albert Lister Peace (1844-1912) – organist of St. George’s Hall, Liverpool (1897-1912); influential organ consultant in Scotland; composer of church music.
91. Charles William Perkins (1855-1927) – pupil / assistant to Sir Frederick Bridge at Westminster Abbey; organist of Birmingham Town Hall (from 1888) and distinguished recitalist; composer of church music.
92. BBC / FC / ENT 13 July 1901
93. BBC 11 September 1901
94. BBC / FC 19 September 1901
95. BBC / FC 17 October 1901
96. BBC 9 October 1901
97. BBC / FC 5 December 1901
98. BBC / Report of FC 23 October 1901
99. BBC 11 June 1902
100. BBC / FC 20 November 1902
101. BBC 26 November 1902
102. BBC 14 January 1903
103. BBC 22 July 1903
104. BBC 25 November 1903
105. BBC 14 October 1903
106. BBC / Report of FC 13 April 1904
107. Annual Report of the Metropolitan Borough of Battersea 1903-4

The extracts from the correspondence between the Blairs and the Cathedral authorities are reproduced by kind permission of the Dean and Chapter of Worcester. I am most grateful to Ms. Maggie Humphreys for correcting the draft; also for the help and encouragement received from Canon Iain Mackenzie and Mr. Adrian Lucas of Worcester Cathedral, and from Mr. Tony Shaw and the staff of the Local History Library, Lavender Hill, Battersea, where most of the story unfolded.

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