THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates
Westcott Road
Dorking

January 30 [1935]

Dear Bishop
I enclose a rough draft of a scheme for a “Holst Music Room” to be established at Morley College.
Though the scheme emanates from Morley College we hope to interest everyone who loved and admired him and his music, both in England and America.
A Committee is forming at the College, of which I am Chairman and I have been asked to write and say what a great help it would be if you would allow your name to appear as a supporter of the scheme. Sir Hugh Allen has already kindly consented and we are also asking the following:- Adrian Boult – Dr. Whittaker – Dr. Davison (of Harvard U.S.A.) – John Masefield, Miss Gray (late High Mistress of St. Paul’s Girls School) and Mrs Hubback (Principal of Morley College) and possibly someone to represent the town of Cheltenham where Holst was born.
We do not aim at a large list of supporters, but have tried to make it representative.
If you approve, a letter will be sent to the press embodying the enclosed draft.¹ I think you will agree that Morley College where Holst taught and worked for so many years is the most fitting place to try and perpetuate his work.²
Yours sincerely
R Vaughan Williams

1. Draft letter.
Holst Music Room.
It is proposed to perpetuate the memory of Gustav Holst by establishing a music room in the new wing about to be erected at Morley College.
The room will be called the Holst Music Room, and will be equipped with a new grand piano, appropriate sound-proof devices, etc. Should the sum collected permit, two additional rooms would be added, to be equipped as a music library and individual teaching room respectively.
This proposal has the support of the following
Though naturally we should be very grateful for large donations, yet since we wish everyone who loved and admired Mr. Holst to be represented, the smallest donation will be gratefully received.
Subscriptions may be sent to the Hon. Treasurer, Mr. –  either at Morley College or c/o    . Cheques should be made payable to    .
2. Similar letters were sent to the other names listed, and the scheme went ahead. See VWL273, VWL5057, VWL5059, VWL5132 for further appeals for funds.