Guide to the Papers of Dame Nellie Melba, 1895-1923

Summary

Collection number:

MS 9561

Creator:

Melba, Nellie, Dame

Extent:

(1 security binder + 10 folios)

Language:

English and English

Preferred citation:

Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Dame Nellie Melba, MS 9561, [file/item number]'

Availability:

Available

Access conditions:

Part available for research; part permission required for research for preservation reasons. Not for loan.

Background

Content Summary:

Papers include a collection of letters from Melba to her sister 'Tib' (Mrs T. A. Paterson), and her mother. Includes single letters to Tib from Melba's mother and sister Clara, and other letters to Dame Nellie. There are four signed and inscribed portrait photographs, three other portrait photographs, and two postcards of Melba. Also includes an embroidered silk evening bag with the name 'Nellie' picked out in spangles, and three commemorative programmes, printed on cloth (Royal Opera, Covent Garden, 23 June 1897; Royal Opera, Covent Garden, 11 June 1907; and Town Hall, Melbourne, 27 September 1902).

Biographical Note:

Dame Nellie Melba was born in Melbourne in 1861 and took her stage name from that city. A year's study in Paris with the famous Mathilde Marchesi transformed her from a gifted beginner into a brilliant vocalist, soon to be regarded as the most accomplished and most famous soprano of her time. Her purity of voice made her the most famous Diva in the operatic world, throughout which she gave many performances. Between 1904 and 1926 Melba made some 150 records. Her final performance at Covent Garden was in June 1926, with her last Australian performances in Sydney and Melbourne in 1928.

Conditions Governing Access:

Access conditions may apply to this collection, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn2482873).

Please note that three items (Items 50, 68-69 (originals only)) are fragile and are restricted from general usage for preservation reasons. Please refer to the digitised versions.

Preferred citation:

Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Dame Nellie Melba, MS 9561, [file/item number]'

Location of this collection:

National Library of Australia

Parkes Place

Canberra ACT 2600, Australia

Contact:

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