[ Australia; John Ticehurst, harpsichordist, war hero. ] Typescript of article 'Harpsichordist to Australia', giving an account of his 1951/2 tour to Australia. With photograph label regarding an Adelaide Town Hall recital, and concert programme.

Michael Howard's obituary of Ticehurst in The Times, 30 October 1975, describes him as 'a persuasive pioneer among those who sought to reestablish the harpsichord as a serious musical instrument'. ONE: Carbon typescript, 7pp., 4to. Headed 'Harpsichord to Australia | by John Ticehurst.' With a few minor manuscript marks. In autograph next to the title: 'April 1951/Feb 1952'. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with slight rust staining from paperclip. A sprightly account, apparently unpublished, beginning: 'I must admit that when the idea first originated of a harpsichord tour in Australia, the difficulties of such an undertaking seemed somewhat formidable. But the idea of introducing the harpsichord to audiences on the other side of the world who had for the majority neither seen nor heard one 'in the flesh," coupled with the project of meeting cousins whom we had always promised to visit "someday," [sic] let alone a daughter out in Canberra on a two-year contract, finally proved an inducement great enough to determine us to overcome the obstacles.' He describes the difficulties surrounding the transportation of his 'eighteenth-century KIrkman' across the world, and its arrival at the first venue, Sydney University's Great Hall, with 'not a string broken, not a jack sticking, nor - the worst of nightmares - a cracked soundboard'. From Sydney he travels to Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne, before returning to Sydney. In conclusion he sums up the trip as 'a strenuous time, but a most interesting bit of musical pioneering, which one felt had been really worthwhile'. TWO: Slip of paper, intended to provide the caption for the reverse of a photograph. Heavily damaged. Reads: 'Harpsichordist John Ticehurst | (of England) with his harpsichord at Adelaide Town Hall – set up his instrument & having correctly balansed [sic] same – played 3 short pieces (on request) to appreciative press reps.' THREE: Programme handbill (2pp., 8vo) for recital by 'John Ticehurst | On his Return from AUSTRALIAN TOUR', and Viola da Gamba player Francesca Palmer, at London's Wigmore Hall, 28 May [1952]. With photographs of the performers. FOUR: