Lot 168
A 9ct gold presentation organ key
Auction: 8 March 2023 at 10:00 GMT
Description
claw-set with a round-cut garnet, with presentation inscription 'West Ham Central Mission July 16th 1924 / Organ presented and opened by Dame Clara Butt DBE'
Dimensions
Length: 6cm
Footnote
Dame Clara Butt D.B.E (1872-1936) was an English dramatic contralto, and one of the most popular recitalists and concert singers at the turn of the 20th century. Born in Southwick, Sussex in 1872 Dame Clara won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music in 1890, she was later sponsored by Queen Victoria to spend three months training in Paris, and made her professional debut in 1892 at the Royal Albert Hall. She quickly made a reputation for herself, and at 6'2 she had a commanding stage presence, performing for royalty and touring the world. During the First World War she organised and performed in many concerts raising money for charities and the war effort, this would later lead to her being awarded Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the civilian war honours in 1920.