An autograph letter, dated 13th July 1934, from Dr Ralph Vaughan Williams, O.M. (1872-1958), thanking the Company for presenting him with the Collard Life Fellowship. In the letter, Vaughan Williams refers to the previous receiver of the award, which was of course Sir Edward Elgar - who was honoured as the first Collard Life Fellow at its inception in 1931. Upon RVW's death in 1958, the Life Fellowship was presented to Herbert Howells.

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The letter reads:

 

Dear Sir

I need hardly say how much I appreciate the honour done me by the Worshipful Company of Musicians by electing me to the honorary life fellowship under the Collard Foundation. Not only is the honour a great one in itself but especially so following on so distinguished a holder of the fellowship.

Yours sincerely

R Vaughan Williams