Salter Papers

This small collection consists mainly of programmes of nationwide recitals and other performances of the Salter sisters 1895-1917 (including a 1903 programme signed by the conductor Henry J. Wood, amongst others). It also includes publicity brochures with press opinions, and a stray programme of the Exeter Theatre Royal n.d.

Florence and Bertha Salter were soprano and contralto singers who originally came from North Devon, although not much is known about their early life. It is possible that they might be two of the daughters of Joseph Salter (farmer of 260 acres at Broomhill Farm, Colebrook, near Crediton, Devon) and his wife Sarah, and therefore were born c1870 and c1873 respectively (1881 census).

Studying under Madame Moriani in Brussels for four years, their London debut was made in 1894, and they went on to tour extensively together throughout the UK at all major concert venues during their careers, as well as singing for European royalty. They were often called the 'Misses Salter', and were also nick-named the 'Devonshire Nightingales'. The role of Mytila was created for Florence in Emil Mathieu's opera Bathyle, which was premiered in Brussels before the Queen of Belgium. Florence was recommended as an Associate of the Philharmonic Society in 1901.

Usual EUL arrangements apply.

Listed by Charlotte Berry, Archivist, 16 June 2003, and encoded into EAD 2 June 2004.

Currently unlisted.

Usual EUL restrictions apply.

Transferred from the Reserve Collection in 2003.

Other papers relating to Florence Salter are held at the British Library: RPS MS 316

Not known.