Manuscripts: Eric McGavin Collection

Manuscripts, typescripts, notes, diaries, lectures and research as well as related correspondence, diagrams and photographs belonging to Eric McGavin. The series contains both handwritten and typed manuscripts as well as research notes reflecting McGavin's extensive research into the history, development and manufacture of wind instruments. Many of McGavin's short essays were published by Boosey & Hawkes in the form of promotional literature and guides on instrument care and repair. The series contains early drafts of McGavin's planned publication 'The Story of Vintage Wood' which outlined the sourcing, import and use of African wood to make Boosey & Hawkes clarinets. Also enclosed are files containing notes and drafts compiled by McGavin and Jack Brymer for a planned book on the history of the clarinet and transcripts for talks, lectures and musical instrument demonstrations delivered by McGavin at schools and to Boosey & Hawkes employees.

During the initial curation and appraisal of the collection the original curator, Bradley Strauchen, made a series of oral recordings providing contextual information on many items within the collection. Transcripts of her recordings have been added to the relevant file and item level descriptions in the scope and content fields.

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk