Documents given to Vera Hockman by Elgar help launch The Elgar Birthplace Appeal.
Newly acquired documents of Vera Hockman's relationship with Edward Elgar were the highlight of a London reception hosted by Sir Mark Elder, President of The Elgar Foundation, to launch The Elgar Birthplace Appeal.
The Elgar Birthplace Museum receives no financial assistance from the Government, Arts Organisations or local councils towards its operating costs and depends on donations, legacies and the generosity of visitors to meet its core costs. The Elgar Birthplace Appeal is an appeal to raise £500,000 over the next three years and generate a long term source of income to help support the operating costs of the Museum and secure its long term future.
The Appeal was launched at Philip Mould Fine Paintings, London and the evening was also the first public viewing of the Museum's newly acquired collection of nearly 20 letters Elgar to the Baldwyn family, music sellers in Worcester and documents given to Vera Hockman including two first sketch-leaves of his unfinished Third Symphony, inscribed to Vera Hockman. Items from the Baldwyn family and Hockman collection will form part of new displays in the refurbished visitor centre when the Museum opens on 1st February, 2012.
Sir Mark Elder CBE, President of the Elgar Foundation, said
"The Museum's existence as a centre of excellence for Elgar's life and work is vital to the international world of music. Please support this appeal and secure the future of the Museum for generations to come."
Cathy Sloan, Museum Director said
"The letters and documents were a wonderful way to launch our appeal and emphasise how important a capital fund is to the Museum. It is very exciting that some of the items will be on public display for the first time when the Museum opens in February 2012."
Sir Mark Elder with Vera Hockman's grand daughter and great grand daughter at the launch of The Elgar Birthplace Appeal.
