The name Haddock in C19th Leeds was synonomous not only with the fishmarket but with music.
Many is the time I have written the biography of one of my Victorian Vocalists who hailed from the Northern or Midland part of England, beginning a pupil of Mr Haddock .... Not always the same Mr Haddock, because there were several, all worthy performers, violinists, conductors and teachers ...
Amongst them were George Haddock (1823-1907) and his two youngest sons, George Percy (1854-1937) and Edgar Augustus (1859-1926). Which meant that I went .. er ... what ... which? when this wonderful photograph turned up, today, on ebay ...
Yes, an historian's dream. Date, place ... Only one problem. Is that initial a 'G' or an 'E'? I hie me to the Leeds papers of March 1890.
Yes. Albert Hall, Leeds. Yes, Edgar is on the bill as soloist. George jr's music is being played ... and Edgar seems to be the promotor.
1 comment:
As I was searching for our family's history I came upon this blog that you had written. I really appreciated all of the information that you offered here. I wish that I had this photo of my Great Grandfather in my collection, it is wonderful. The initial that you questioned is in fact a 'G' for Mr. G Haddock of which I have several letters and such signed by him, and it is of course George as conductor (?) but I cannot find Great Grandpa Edgar. Bummer. I continue to search for other information about George and his siblings and have dozens of newspaper clippings from the Leeds College of Music, from the time it opened until the time that Mr Helliwell took over as principal. Thank you for sharing this!
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