Framed gold disc, presented to The Chieftains by Claddagh Records engraved with the follow: ‘Presented to The Chieftains on the occasion of their 21st anniversary and on achieving sales in excess of 250,000 in Ireland’.
Original letters and texts from the Headquarters Group, Weavers in the Light, Arcane School, Whitehall Court, London, England to Derek Bell. Includes ‘tenth set of papers in the Weavers in the light course’ (Sep 1995); notice of ‘World Invocation Day’ (1 June 1996); and letter from Arcane School to Derek Bell thanking him for his ‘spirited reports and papers’ (June 1996).
Original and photocopied newspaper clippings and magazines articles about Derek Bell. The majority of the articles are from the period 1973-1996. Many of the articles refer to Bell’s upcoming performances, projects or recordings and include detailed biographical information. The articles are from a variety of newspapers and serials including the Pittsburgh post-gazette [Pennsylvania, United States of America], Belfast telegraph, Melody maker [London, England], Brunswick news [Georgia, United States of America], Times-union and journal Jacksonville [Florida, United States of America], Irish times [Dublin], News letter [Belfast], Belfast review, Prince George citizen [British Columbia, Canada], Irish edition [Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, United States of America] and Harbour sound, Brunswick, Georgia, [United States of America], Radio times, Harpa, Ulster tatler, Harp column, and American harp journal.
Original and photocopied drawings and sketches. Includes copy of ‘The Chieftains ice design at the Bean Pot, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada’ (Winter 1991); copy of a sketch of Derek Bell playing the Irish harp (1993); and a pen sketch of Derek Bell playing the pedal harp (7 Dec 1994).
Series comprises commercial and non-commercial audio material on vinyl, reel-to-reel tape, tape cassettes, DAT tapes. This audio material reflects Derek Bell’s music interests, his solo music career as well as his career with The Chieftains. Many of his published albums are in this series, along with pre-publication and demo copies of the same albums. There are recordings of interviews with Bell both on radio and television and video footage of various television appearances. There are also audio recordings of a number of Bell’s solo performances as well as performances with The Chieftains. Two documentaries made by Alan Tongue about Derek Bell in 1977 and 1988 are also in this series. Bell’s interest in mysticism and ethnic music is reflected throughout his audio collection.
Original certificates for various nominations and awards received by The Chieftains. Includes Grammy certificates awarded by The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to The Chieftains for the following nominations: the ‘Best ethnic or traditional folk recording, The grey fox album (1983); ‘Best traditional folk recording, Celtic wedding album (1987); ‘Best country instrumental performance ‘Cotton-eyed Joe’ (track from Another country ) (1992); ‘Best pop instrumental performance, ‘Tahitian skies’ (track from Another country )’ (1992); ‘Best country vocal collaboration ‘Killybegs’ (track from Another country )’ (1992); ‘Best traditional folk album, An Irish evening live at the Grand Opera House, Belfast ’ (1992); ‘Best contemporary folk album, Another country ’ (1992); ‘Best contemporary folk album, The long black veil (1995); ‘Best pop collaboration with vocals ‘Have I told you lately that I love you?’ (1995); ‘Best pop instrumental performance ‘An gaoth aneas’ (1997); ‘Best pop collaboration with vocals ‘Shenandoah’ (with Van Morrison) (1998); ‘Best traditional folk album Long journey home ’ (1998); ‘Best country instrumental performance ‘Sally Goodin’ (with Earl Scruggs)’ (2002); ‘Best contemporary folk album Down the old plank road ’ (2002).
Letters from Alan Bell, Norway to Derek Bell relating to the history of the Bell Family. Includes copies of articles, biographies and family trees which Alan Bell has acquired during his research into the family; copy of a marriage certificate for Henry O’Neill and Elizabeth Black; copy of a photograph of Elizabeth (nee Black) O’Neill; and four photographs of [Sydney Bell], Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot, uncle of Derek Bell. Sydney Bell died in a plane crash at the age of 27 on 16 June 1927.
