Horace Fellowes Papers

Scope and Content

The collection includes

Personal photographs c. 1891-1975

Articles and newspaper clippings c. 1890-1975

Personal ephemera including materail relating to Horace Fellowes autobiography and to his 100th birthday celebrations

Administrative / Biographical History

Horace Fellowes was born on 26th May 1875 in Wolverhampton. His family moved to Glasgow in 1883 where he attended St Francis Primary School, and later the Marist Brothers School, Clyde Street. From the age of 10 years he performed solo violin, even going on a tour of England with the Madam Lloyd Choir in 1891-92. He was first taught violin by his father, he then studied under John Daly at the Glasgow Athenaeum (also known variously as, The Scottish National Academy of Music, The Royal Scottish Academy of Music, The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama; later The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland). He later travelled to Germany where he studied under Professor Willy Hess.

He was associated with musical groups and orchestras throughout his career, most notably as Leader for the Sir Thomas Beecham Orchestra, and then, in 1914, he returned to Scotland to take up the post of Leader of the Scottish National Orchestra (later the Royal Scottish National Orchestra). In the same year he was appointed Principal Violin Master, and Conductor of the Orchestra at the Glasgow Athenaeum, later being promoted to Head of Strings, where he remained in post until his 80th birthday.

He continued to perform and conduct music to the end of his life. He died on 12th November 1975 at his home in Peebles, Scotland, almost six months after celebrating his 100th birthday.

Access Information

Open. Appointment necessary E-mail: archives@rcs.ac.uk