Dear lis-linkers,
Please find below a copy of the Press Release from the Press Conference
held this morning to announce the establishment of a Centre for Political
Song, based at Glasgow Caledonian University Library
BOTHY BALLAD TO PUNK ROCK
UNIQUE POLITICAL SONG CENTRE ANNOUNCED
GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY
TUESDAY 23 JANUARY 2001 – 10.30am
The world’s first Centre dedicated to Political Song - containing a wide
range of unique and valuable exhibits, including 45’s, tapes, CD’s and
lyric sheets – is to be located at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Material dating as far back as the 19th Century, and crossing the whole
political spectrum from left to right - political rally to street
demonstration, pantomime, folk club and opera - has been donated by former
Labour MEP Janey Buchan. The subsequent purchase of other material from
all over the world has provided a collection of extreme historical and
political significance for researchers and interested parties world-wide.
The collection will be located within the library, forming an integral part
of the University’s special collections and archives.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, Dr Ian
Johnston said today: -
“ Songs, anthems and even operas have been used as political tools
throughout the ages – Japanese companies use them to motivate employees.
Song are therefore a fascinating and legitimate area of academic study, and
we are delighted to host this world class centre at Glasgow Caledonian.
Janey Buchan, former Labour MEP and originator of the Centre for Political
Song, continued: -
“ It has been a long slog to get this show on the road but I am now certain
that it is going to be worthwhile for Glasgow Caledonian University.
Everyone will now realise that the apparently unimportant has a role in
recording our own and past times.
“ The width and dept of the material will, I am absolutely certain, stun
most people. In this Centenary year of Verdi, when his politics and the
voice he gave them will be marked here. We have yet to start methodically
on Ireland and that will surely swamp us, going back 300 years for
starters.”
The University has underlined its commitment to this important addition to
it’s collections by appointing a development officer – responsible for
cataloguing the material, maintaining a web-site as well as securing
funding for the ongoing development of the Centre.
Caroline Cochrane
Development Officer
Centre for Political Song
Glasgow Caledonian University Library
GLASGOW
Tel: +44 (0)141 331 8453
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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