TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION
So … about the Melbourne Allans that I mentioned the other day? I shared this postscript on Facebook, but omitted to upload it here. The Glasgow “Mozart Allan” firm is highly unlikely to have a family connection with “Allan & Co” Down Under.
The Glasgow Mozart Allan advertised quite often in Australian papers in the early years of his business (the late 19th century).
But, as for his Reels, Strathspeys and General Dance Music being distributed by Allan’s in Melbourne? They just had the same surname. The Australian George C. Allan’s father (George Leavis Allan) came from London, and their ancestors may even have had a Cornish connection. No obvious link with our man.
Image: Butler, Graeme Allans Music, 276 Collins Street, Melbourne. 1982-1985
Karen McAulay, Musicologist 