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.
Manuscripts: Eric McGavin Collection
Collection Information
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