Philip Napier Miles Papers

The collection contains manuscript sheet music for many of his works from his operas and orchestral pieces to his songs and hymns written for baritone voice and chorus, as well as libretti, correspondence, material relating to British Opera Week, 1924, and a conductor's baton presented to him by the Avonmouth and Shirehampton Choral Society.

Philip Napier Miles was born in 1865 to Philip William Skynner Miles, MP and Pamela Adelaide Napier Miles. He married Sybil Marguerite Gonne in 1899. He was an active composer, and wrote many pieces including 'Hymn before Sunrise' (1896), 'Westward Ho!' (1909) - a grand opera in three acts, 'Fantasia in C Major for Orchestra' (1923), 'O Captain, My Captain' (1905) and 'Good Friday' (1928). Philip Napier Miles died on 19 July 1935.

This collection is preserved in the order received from the executors. Handlists available in Special Collections explain this in greater detail.

Accessible to all bona fide readers

The collection was placed on deposit by the estate of Philip Napier Miles after his death, though they retain copyright.

Compiled by Martin Hall, Assistant Archivist, University of Bristol Information Services - Special Collections.

Typewritten handlists and calendars describing the correspondence are available in Special Collections.

Copyright for all purposes (reproduction and performance) remains with the executors of Philip Napier Miles.

The collection was accumulated by Philip Napier Miles.