COUNTY Councillors have unanimously backed a cross party motion to support the campaign to keep some of Edward Elgar’s archives here in Worcestershire.
Elgar, who was born, lived, and died in Worcestershire, wrote the music to Land of Hope and Glory, the Pomp and Circumstance Marches
The county’s decision will now mean local representatives will actively engage in discussions about the future location of the archives although the council understands that to respect Elgar’s daughter’s Will, parts of the archives need to be located in London.
However the campaign is aimed to engage in a constructive conversation with interested parties about keeping some of the archives in Worcestershire.
Councillor Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Communities, said: “I am delighted to see this motion backed unanimously.
“We want to encourage Elgar enthusiasts to visit Worcestershire and discover the inspiration behind his work and get a better understanding of his life by going on the Elgar trail.”
The Elgar Foundation, responsible for the archives, decided earlier this year to relocate the collection to the British Library in London. Parts of the collection including music transcripts, referred to in Elgar’s daughter’s Will, have already been moved.
The archives were previously held at the Elgar Birthplace Museum in Broadheath, Worcestershire.
