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Andrew Watson

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First World War poster

Mitchell Library, Glasgow Collection

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First World War poster

A poster advertising a concert by Clara Butt at St Andrew's Halls to raise funds for the Red Cross in 1916.

Clara Butt was well known as one of Britain's leading opera singers before the war. Blessed with an extremely powerful voice, she put it to good effect in making Land of Hope and Glory her signature tune.

In May 1916 Clara arranged a whole week of performances of Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius at the Queen’s Hall, London, in aid of the British Red Cross Society. Dressed in white lace, she delivered the Angel’s music from the organ behind the orchestra. It is likely that the Glasgow concert in November would be similar.

Throughout the First World War Clara worked tirelessly to raise money for charity, earning over £100,000 — an enormous sum then. It was in recognition of this war work that King George V made her a Dame of the British Empire.

Reference: First World War posters drawer

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning

Keywords:
British Red Cross Society, Dream of Gerontius, First World War, Land of Hope and Glory, opera, posters, singers, St Andrew's Halls, women



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