Correspondence with Eric Blom

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 133 GDN/A/B59
  • Dates of Creation
      16 Oct 1923-4 Sep 1931
  • Physical Description
      54 pieces; 58 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Eric Walter Blom (1888-1959), music critic and lexicographer, relating to discussion of and arrangements for Blom to become the music critic for the Manchester Guardian in London, with reference to the audience for the articles, their form, length and content, and to salary and payment for articles. Also included are discussions of potential subjects for articles by Blom, in addition to his daily reviews.

There is correspondence relating to requests for an increase in salary, and of potential work for other newspapers, with a summary of Blom's employment at the Manchester Guardian. There are also correspondence and internal memoranda discussing Blom and the quality of his work. There is a letter of recommendation for Blom from his predecessor, Ernest Newman, music critic, with internal memoranda discussing the vacancy and potential candidates for the position.

Also included is correspondence between Blom and E.T. Scott relating to discussion of a letter of complaint from Sir Hamilton Harty, conductor and composer, objecting to criticisms made in a review by Blom.

There is correspondence relating to discussion of a complaint by Blom that his articles are cut by the sub-editors of the Manchester Guardian. There is also a letter of resignation, as Blom has accepted the post of chief music critic for the Birmingham Post, with thanks and appreciation for his employment at the Manchester Guardian. There is internal memoranda discussing the format of music reviews, and the appointment of Blom's successor, Cecil Gray, music critic and composer.

GDN/A/B59/1 is an internal employment history index card for Blom, 1923.

GDN/A/B59/30 is a newspaper cutting of a review of Hamilton Harty and the Hallé Orchestra by Blom in the Manchester Guardian.