Identity area
Reference code
NWA-18777/2/2
Title
Traditional music collection
Date(s)
- 1940s-1990s (Creation)
Level of description
File
Extent and medium
800 pages
Context area
Name of creator
(1913-1997)
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Even before she began writing her 'Songs of your county' column, Nellie Walsh was an avid collector of traditional music. This collection includes lyric sheets, tonic sol-fa, and staff notation made up of handwritten sheets, many photocopies, newspaper clippings, and two booklets of songs. The handwritten selections are largely on the back of envelopes, notes, letters, postcards, and many are on the back of Old Wexford Society minutes/memos, for which Walsh was Honorary Secretary. There is even one on the back of a photograph and one on the back of a pastry bag. These are largely Irish songs (and a few are even in Irish), but also includes Scottish, Austrian, American, and English traditional music. In additon to the songs, there are also letters asking if Nellie could identify songs (including a letter to Patrick Gallagher from the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts in 1985, Raymond Flynn), notes for herself on ballad history, performance lists, and a map of Lambay.