Musicians of Britain and Ireland, 1900-1950

This archive contains around 5000 digitised recordings by expert, often neglected, musicians working in Britain and Ireland during the period, many of which have been hidden in the archives of high profile record companies.

Further analysis of the collection reveals the tastes and recording styles of a range of musicians working in the first half of the 20th century and further demonstrates the strong influence wielded by record companies upon the listening tastes and habits of British and Irish audiences.

How can this collection be used in teaching, studying and research?

This collection reveals the depth and variety of music that was being recorded as the music industry moved towards the start of the 1950s and the upcoming massive expolosion of popular music.

It is a highly useful collection for anyone with an interest in music, popular culture, sound engineering and related secondary interests in the social and cultural history of the first half of the 20th century.