Meanwhile, back in the Whittaker Library – a Catalogue Entry

Posted on by Dr Karen E McAulay

One day, when I’ve retired from librarianship, all that will be left to show for my 36 years here will be the books and music on the shelves – and their catalogue records. Naturally, I made sure RCS has a copy of Mozart Allan and Jack Fletcher’s The Glories of Scotland in Picture and Song. Click on the title to see how I’ve catalogued it!

I think you’ll agree I’ve managed to insert enough hints as to why I think it’s significant. There’s a book chapter coming out in an essay collection from the Centre for Printing History and Culture at Birmingham City University, so there will be more to read in due course.

Mozart Allan in Glasgow, Allan & Co in Melbourne …

Posted on by Dr Karen E McAulay

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