Helene Steer-Saxby papers, 1906-1927, Date acquired: 00/00/1987
Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Steer-Saxby, Helene (1852-1926)
- Abstract:
- The papers of musician and artist Helen Steer-Saxby.
- Extent:
- 0.98 Linear Feet
- 1 boxes
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
Helene Steer-Saxby Papers, USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
Background
- Scope and content:
This collection contains selections from Helene Steer-Saxby's published and unpublished sheet music, concert programs featuring her music, watercolor sketches, photographs of Helen and William Steer-Saxby, and miscellaneous writings.
- Biographical / historical:
Helen Steer-Saxby was born in Paris, France in 1852. Helen was educated in Paris and London where she was instructed in the pianoforte by Sir Julius Benedict, in singing by Signor Garcia. She spent the next two years studying at the Dresden Academy of Music in Germany under Herr Blassman and Cantor Scheerig.
On Steer-Saxby's return to England, she became an instructor at the Challenham Ladies College. Amon her pupils were Queen Victoria's goddaughter, the daughter of Sir George Grove (compiler of the Grove Dictionary of Music) and other members of nobility.
Helen married William Steer-Saxy and moved to America where they gave joint recitals. Her research into the musical notes of various types of birds led her to spend over two years in the woods of Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida, where she recorded their notes. This research was the source for many of her songs as well as her "Bird Symphony" and "Linnett Queen." In her later years, Helen moved to Florida where she served as the president of the Florida State Federation for two year. She passed away in 1926 at the age of 74.
Note written by Barbara Lewis, 2005
- Acquisition information:
Hillsborough County Federation of Women's Club
Donation
- Arrangement:
Organized by format
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Terms of access:
None. The contents of the collection may be subject to copyright. Visit the United States Copyright Office's website at http://www.copyright.gov/ for more information.
- Preferred citation:
Helene Steer-Saxby Papers, USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
- Location of this collection:
-
The University of South Florida, Tampa Campus4202 East Fowler Ave. LIB122TampaFL33620-5400USA
