Sir Ernest Bullock Manuscripts

Scope and Content

The collection includes:

  • Plays with music c1927-1962
  • Music for orchestra or military band c1945-1970
  • Coronation music and fanfares c1937-1967
  • Chamber music c1910-1975
  • Church music c1914-1975
  • Other secular vocal music c1919-1975
  • Music connected with Alfred Hollins c1895-1915
  • Additional copies of printed music 1925-1961

Administrative / Biographical History

The music manuscripts of Sir Ernest Bullock Mus.Doc., LLD., FRCO, FRCM, Hon. RAM, FRSCM, FRSAMD held by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland represent the majority of the music he composed after the Second World War, along with some earlier material. Many, though not all, of his earlier manuscripts were destroyed by enemy action in May 1941, and the bulk of what survives dates from after his appointment to Glasgow.

After appointments at Manchester Cathedral, and St Michael's College Tenbury, he became organist and choirmaster at Exeter Cathedral, moving to Westminster Abbey in 1928. In 1941 he was appointed Gardiner Professor of Music at the University of Glasgow and Principal of the Scottish National Academy of Music. In 1952 he became principal of the Royal College of Music, retiring in 1960.

The manuscripts of Sir Ernest Bullock reflect his professional involvements. Church music in all its forms was important, as was coronation music; he directed the corononation in 1937, and wrote most of the fanfares for the 1953 coronation. He also produced incidental music for plays, various pieces for special occasions, and chamber music for performance in family, college and university settings.

Access Information

Open. Appointment necessary. Email: archives@rcs.ac.uk

Acquisition Information

Presented to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2003 by Sir Ernest Bullock's daughter Mrs Mary Stapleton, and son, Mr Geoffrey Bullock.