In October 1902, the first Handbook of the Company was published privately by the Livery Club (which had itself been established in that year). This first edition (a relatively slim volume compared to subsequent editions), edited by A.C.Hunter the original Secretary of the Livery Club, was significantly updated in 1905 with many additional sections and illustrations. It was re-issued as the third edition in 1915. An example of that third edition is pictured below, together with its contents page and preface. Click on the images to load a larger version.
The second edition has actually been 'digitised' by Archive.org - a non-profit, free library of books, films and music. Click on the image to the right (showing the front cover of the 1905 journal) to visit the site and read the book.
A first edition is shown below and again, images can be expanded by Clicking on the relevant page.
In 1950 a book called, The Worshipful Company of Musicians: A Short History, was written by Brigadier H.A.F. Crewdson (Alastair - Company Clerk from 1930 to 1967) and became the book issued to all new members. In 1971 Brig. Crewdson updated this volume with a second edition (covering, inter alia, the Company's Royal Charter of 1950 and a section of glossy b/w photos). Images from that edition are presented below.
The Clerk's 'Office Copy' of the 1950 First Edition, is still held in the archive. The first few pages are shown below.
Mr Richard Crewdson (son of the above), became Clerk to the Company from 1967 to 1987 and in 2000 produced the current Company handbook, Apollo's Swan and Lyre - 500 years of the Musicians' Company. Fully updated for the quincentennial year, it includes additional exploration of Music in London and indeed the City of London itself. Like previous handbooks, it is presented to every new Freeman on joining the Company. An image of the front cover is shown right.
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