Harry Mortimer BBC WW2 War Salvation Army Band Old Hand Signed Letter

CHAU4761 A rare opportunity to secure the autograph of Harry Mortimer (1902–1992) was arguably the most influential figure in British brass band history, serving as the BBC Supervisor of Brass & Military Music for over two decades starting in the 1940s.  This antique 1944 wartime letter has been specially written and typed sent on headed BBC paper with fascinating content which I invite you to enlarge and read.  It is personally hand signed by Harry Mortimer with some upper border ageing (darkened region), and folded where posted, otherwise great condition (vg/vg+ grading). Please see all our historic BBC musicians, orchestra leaders and composers secured from this same BBC collection at our store.

"..Upon taking office, Mortimer fiercely championed brass and military ensembles to boost civilian and factory morale. He was famous for "Music While You Work" where he heavily integrated spirited brass performances into this iconic wartime series, which was piped into munitions factories three times a day to skyrocket productivity. In 1943 he lead the show Listen To The Band where Mortimer created and launched this flagship radio show specifically designed to give brass, military, and Salvation Army bands a permanent spotlight on the network. It would go on to become a British institution.."