We are excited to be Explore Your Archive’s current spotlight, a digital exhibition space showcasing the Archive and its collections.
The Brass Bands Archive shines a light on the History of Brass Banding, and on the individuals who contributed to the development of brass banding, including composers, arrangers, conductors, publishers, and of course brass bands. The collection also preserves lesser-known stories; from photographs of contemporary bands and players to contest and competition programmes from across the country. The archive reflects a broad range of experiences across the brass banding sector. The collection consists of well over 8,000 music sets, hundreds of vinyl recordings, trophies, photographs, contest programmes, publications, stand banners, uniforms, account and engagement books, historical artefacts and other memorabilia/ephemera. It is forever growing as more and more brass banders trust us with their history by donating to the Archive. The online exhibition spotlights some of BBA’s collections and gives you a taste of what is held within the Brass Bands Archive.
Echo Cornet in Heritage Quay's Research Room - [Ref:BBA/IN/1]
The spotlight explores music held within the collection, from manuscript music to rare wax cylinders, photographs of which there are over 1,000, contest material including trophies and programmes, and finally journals and magazines such as the British Bandsman.
The Brass Bands Archive is a rich collection which tells the stories of brass banding and its history, the digital exhibition is only a snapshot of the collection. There is other brass band ephemera which is preserved within the Archive; posters, brass band instrument and uniform catalogues, rule books, brass band account and engagement books, adjudicator notes, correspondence between brass bands, contest organisations and brass banders from all over the world throughout the 20th century.
Take a look at the Explore Your Archive Spotlight.