Established by Lady Barbirolli in memory of her husband, conductor, Sir John Barbirolli FRAM (1899-1970). A prize-winning 'cello student at the Royal Academy of Music, Barbirolli’s early playing career extended from playing as soloist in Elgar's 'Cello Concerto in 1921 to playing in dance halls, cinemas and circuses. As he himself said, ‘everywhere except the street’.

From 1924 he concentrated on conducting, establishing in particular a reputation as an interpreter of opera. He was invited to succeed Toscanini as the permanent conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in 1936 and in 1943 he returned to England when he was appointed conductor of the Hallé Orchestra, becoming its Conductor-in-Chief in 1958. During this time he worked regularly with the Houston Symphony and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestras, in particular. In 1961 Barbirolli assumed responsibility for the Academy’s first orchestra, with the regular assistance of Maurice Handford.

Today’s student conductors are taught in the Barbirolli Room, in which part of the collection is displayed.

Apollo catalogue - search list of keywords:
Art and iconography – photographs, paintings, postage stamps, venues.
Documents – digitised pages from his working score of Verdi’s Otello; letters and documents; publicity posters; programmes and citations.
Musical accessories – baton, cello mute.
Objects – medals, decorations, waistcoat when a child, sculpture, commemorative material, keyring, cigar, silver tray.

Images on this page:
- Cast of the left hand of Sir John Barbirolli, by Jocelyn Horner, 1968.
- Child's waistcoat showing signs of wear and tear from cello playing. Belonging to Sir John Barbirolli.