At the dawn of the 20th century the cultural life of Hertford was dominated by the Hertford Literary & Debating Society. Its members were largely drawn from the town’s shopkeepers, tradesmen, managers, clerks and professional people. Every Tuesday evening throughout the winter months they would turn out in sizeable numbers and make their way to Shire Hall. There they would listen to a talk on some artistic or literary theme, or debate an issue of current concern.
To round off the season for 1900-01, the Society decided to hold a “conversazione”. This event included an exhibition made up of curios donated by the membership. The exhibition was described in great detail by the Hertfordshire Mercury, and it provides us with an intriguing insight into people’s interests and collecting habits at that time.
The HLDS was part of a cultural renaissance which occurred throughout the country during the second half of the 19th century, and which saw the formation of numerous literary and musical societies. The President of the HLDS in 1901 was George Durrant, owner of a chemist and druggist shop at Old Cross. The Secretary was Robert Watson, manager of the Hertford Gas Works, while the Treasurer was William Graveson, a partner in one of the town’s leading drapery stores.
The programme for the 1900-01 season is set out below, together with notes about some of the contributors. The HLDS provided its members with a rich programme, comprising 17 lectures and three debates (the meeting scheduled for 22 January 1901 was cancelled, owing to the death of Queen Victoria earlier that day). Four of the lectures were given by guest speakers. This was the case with the first lecture of the season about the siege of Mafeking, a highly topical subject on which Miss Friend spoke with some authority, since her brother had been Mayor of Mafeking at the time. Miss E.M. Mason, who spoke on Ruskin, was an Associate of the Royal College of Art, and Art Mistress of the Bishop Stortford and Hoddesdon School of Art. Mr H. Guy-Bentley, whose talk developed into a discussion on the merits or otherwise of nationalising the coal industry, was a member of the Fabian Society.
The other talks were given by Society members, expounding on some particular interest or hobby, or in some cases on a recent holiday. Arthur Elsden’s talk on the Jungfrau was based on a recent visit to Switzerland. Similarly, George Stuart Durrant, the President’s son, based his talk on a holiday spent at the Smedley “Hydro” at Matlock Bank in Derbyshire in the autumn of 1900. The lectures containing a musical theme were quite elaborate affairs. The talk entitled “The Glee” was given by James Gregory, the newly appointed organist at All Saints’ Church, and he was assisted by four professional choristers and glee singers from the choirs of St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. In her talk on “Norse Music”, Mrs Alfred Graveson was assisted by four other lady members of the Society who provided vocal and instrumental illustrations.
The debates and discussions could be lively affairs, particularly when the topic was, say, giving Local Authorities the power to acquire land for building purposes, or for the Government to nationalise the coal industry. For the membership of the HLDS encompassed a wide spectrum of political affiliation. It included such people as Thomas Usher, a retired coal merchant who lived at Elmsfield in Queen’s Road and was a leading light in the local Conservative Party and in its supporting association, the Primrose League. So too were such people as George Durrant and William F. Andrews. The Dame President of the Primrose League, Miss Erica Robertson, daughter of the former Chief Constable of Hertfordshire, was also a prominent member. At the other end of the spectrum were the Graveson brothers, William and Alfred, both staunch pacifist Quakers and stalwarts of the local Hertford Liberal and Radical Club. Another active Society member was Miss Ella Ginn, who lived with her widowed mother in Queen’s Road, and was secretary of the Hertford and District Women’s Liberal Association.
All members, however, shared a deep interest in cultural matters, as was amply demonstrated at the last meeting of the 1900-01 season. According to Longman’s English Dictionary, a “conversazione” may be defined as “a meeting for relatively informal discussion of intellectual or cultural matters”, and this was most definitely the tone adopted at Shire Hall on the evening of Tuesday 26 March 1901. The programme was arranged by the ladies of the Committee. It opened with an exhibition of curios and other mementoes from various countries in all parts of the world. In addition, there was an “instructive” paper entitled “Fans of Japan”, read by Mrs Alfred Graveson. She was also instrumental, along with the other ladies of the Committee, in arranging a concert of high-class vocal and instrumental music.
The exhibition filled the Council Chamber and part of the Assembly Room at Shire Hall. The report on the exhibits contained in the Mercury is reproduced on below, and is also accompanied by notes on the main contributors.
It was clearly a convivial evening for all concerned. Nonetheless, the exhibition did undoubtedly provide a perfect opportunity for certain members to show off. This might be through their personal connections with High Society (as with the Faudel-Phillips and their autographed Royal portraits, or Mrs Hinton and the Chinese bed coverlet brought to England by Lord Elgin), or through their having the means to go travelling in exotic foreign parts.
Many of the curios brought back from Africa, Asia and Australasia were eventually presented to Hertford Museum. Most of this material now resides in the Museum store, but a selection of items can be seen on the ground floor in a cabinet bearing the title: “Where in the World”. This gives a good idea of the sort of things that would have been displayed at Shire Hall back in 1901.
By that time, however, a whole industry had grown up, particularly in China and Japan, manufacturing fake antiques and items of tribal art, all aimed at the growing horde of gullible European and American tourists. All of which means that the admiration expressed by the Mercury for the foreign curios displayed that evening at Shire Hall may have been a little bit misplaced.
HERTFORD LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY
Programme of Events 1900-01
All meetings took place on Tuesday evenings at Shire Hall, commencing at 8.00.
| 9 October 1900: Sidelights on the Siege of Mafeking, by Miss Friend | William Frampton Andrews (61), widowed, retired timber merchant. Prominent public figure (Mayor 1899-1900) Churchwarden at All Saints’ ; staunch supporter of Town Mission and Bible Society. Keen antiquarian Henry Peirson (48), single, born in Hertford but for many years ran a chemist shop in St Mary Cray, Bromley, Kent. Recently returned to Hertford. Very keen gardener and botanist. Essay related to a book in his possession published in 1633. Graveson Brothers – William (39) and Alfred (35), both married and partners in drapery store. Active members of Hertford Quaker community. Interested in natural history, art , literature and politics. Members of the Hertford Liberal & Radical Club. Alfred’s wife Alice (39) also a very active member of HLDS.Arthur Vincent Elsden (47), married, renowned local photographer. Married 3rd wife Gertrude Pattison on 11 July 1900. Honeymoon presumably in Switzerland, where he obtained the material for his lecture.Walter New (41), married, educated Dulwich College and Peterhouse, Cambridge. Formerly headmaster at Ware Grammar School. Recently appointed Headmaster of Hertford Grammar School.Margaret Ethel Robertson (40), single, a formidable academic and linguist who gained a class one in medieval and modern languages tripos in 1889 at Newnham College, Cambridge. Appointed headmistress of Girls’ School at Christ’s Hospital, Hertford 1893.Joseph William Parry (48), married, born in Acra, India and formerly worked as a civil engineer on the Indian Railway. Came to Hertford in late 1890s.Sarah Lizzie Pearce (née Paine) (50), wife of miller at Stansted Abbotts. Staunch Liberal, member of Hertford & District Women’s Liberal Association. Very well educated and of outstanding literary ability.James Lively Gregory (41), single, formerly organist at St. Mary’s, Ware. Recently appointed organist at All Saints’ Church, Hertford. Also music teacher at Hertford Grammar School and Christ’s Hospital, and conductor of East Herts Choral Society.John Barton Caldecott (39), married, a stockbroker. Came to Hertford in late 1890s.James Cort Hadden (73), widower, retired journalist, lived for 15 years in Australia. Came to Hertford in 1880s. Alderman on Town council. Very involved in Town Mission, Organised Aid Society and Congregational Church. George Stuart Durrant (28), single, employed in the chemist’s shop run by his widowed father, George Reynolds Durrant, President of HLDS. |
| 16 October 1900: Three essays presented by members: Cycling, by W.F. Andrews An Old Herbal, by H. Peirson Nicknames, by A. Graveson | |
| 23 October 1900: Was the French Revolution of 1789 inevitable? (Debate) | |
| 30 October 1900: Ralph Waldo Emerson, by L.W. Reid | |
| 6 November 1900: That the economic independence of women is an essential factor in the social evolution of the race (Debate) | |
| 13 November 1900: The Empire of China, by I.C. Hannah | |
| 20 November 1900: Ruskin as Art Critic, by Miss E.M. Mason | |
| 27 November 1900: Norse Music, by Mrs A. Graveson | |
| 4 December 1900: Meteorology, by J. Huck | |
| 11 December 1900: Our Coal Supply, by H. Guy-Bentley | |
| 18 December 1900: Carlyle – as one of the 19th century prophets, by W. Graveson | |
| 8 January 1901: To and from the Jungfrau, by A.V. Elsden | |
| 15 January 1901: How a play was acted 2000 years ago, by W. New | |
| 29 January 1901: Two great schoolmasters of the 19th century – Thomas Arnold and Edward Thring, by Miss M.E. Robertson | |
| 5 February 1901: Lucknow, past & present, with some account of the siege, by J.W. Parry | |
| 12 February 1901: Wordsworth’s and Arnold’s views of Nature, by Mrs J. Pearce | |
| 19 February 1901: The Glee, by J.L. Gregory | |
| 26 February 1901: That Local Authorities should have full power to acquire land for building purposes (Debate) | |
| 5 March 1901: History of our Colonies as illustrated by their coinage, by J.B. Caldecott | |
| 12 March 1901: Spiritism: its possible developments, by J.C. Haddon | |
| 19 March 1901: The Smedley “Hydro” at Matlock Bank, Derbyshire, by G.S. Durrant | |
| 26 March 1901: Conversazione |
HERTFORD LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY
Display of curios and mementoes exhibited at the Conversazione, held on 26 March 1901
Text reproduced from the Herts Mercury 30 March 1901.
| To commence with the exhibition, which filled the Council Chamber and part of the Assembly Room, we may state that the articles on view were much too numerous to be all specified here, but we may mention a few of the prominent exhibits. A number of autograph portraits were sent by Lady Faudel-Phillips, amongst them being those of her late Majesty Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, and other Royalties in gold frames; and a valuable case of silver articles was lent by Miss Faudel-Phillips. A fine collection of birds’ eggs and freshwater shells was exhibited by Mr. W. Graveson, some of the eggs being quite fifty years old, having been collected by his uncle in Sussex. A silver teapot and stand, a hundred years old, and a fine album of Hertfordshire views were shown by Mr. W.F. Andrews. Some very interesting and quaint Icelandic and Maori curios were lent by Mr. Hellier R.H. Gosselin, who gathered them in his travels through Iceland and New Zealand some years ago. Amongst these was a New Zealand lady’s skirt made entirely of flax, with which an English woman would certainly not care to adorn herself. Dr. C.E. Shelly sent amongst other things, a Kaffir lady’s dress and bangles, which were even less becoming in appearance. These curios were mementoes of the doctor’s sojourn in South Africa a quarter of a century ago. The president of the Society (Mr. G.R. Durrant) had on view a stand covered with Spanish exhibits, such as knives, fans, castanets, silk lace, and other articles of wearing apparel used in Spain. A model of an Indian hut was sent by Mrs William Duncan. There was a fine collection of pressed Alpine flowers obtained in the Upper Engadine in 1893 by Mrs Alfred Graveson, the colours of which stood fast for more than three years. On one table there was a beautiful array of needle work and embroidery. Some of this showed the difference between the work done by a Bluecoat girl in 1793 and those of 1901. There were samples of darning at Christ’s Hospital at the present day, old English embroidery, and other needlework sent by Mrs J.T. Bell, Miss Foord, and Mrs Sharpe; some wonderful silk work sent by Mrs. Ginn, Miss Ella Ginn, and Mrs Robins. A quaint-looking envelope used at the introduction of the penny postage, designed by Mr Mulready, R.A., in 1841, and addressed to Mr. Thomas Ginn, Hertford, was also lent by Mrs. Ginn. On another table was a variety of English, Spanish, French, and Italian domestic pottery, a model showing the costume of a Christ’s Hospital boy and girl over 200 years ago; the massive key of the Hertford Jail (lent by Mrs. Hudspeth), a not very charming doll of 200 years ago (lent by Mrs. S.J. Rose), a christening robe over 100 years old, and a bridal dress of the same period. Some very interesting examples of printed books of an early period, probably 1470, were lent by Mr. J.B. Caldecott; some Egyptian antiques by Miss E. Cathcart; Indian exhibits and some valuable miniatures by Mrs. Robins and Mr E. Birrell; while Mr. Cyril Patten sent a perfect working model of an up-to-date motor-car and some ancient bicycles. A large number of attractive and interesting articles were lent by Sergt.-Major Coles, of the Herts Yeomanry, who had recently returned from South Africa, bringing with him some curios and some valuables as mementoes of the campaign. First of all there was a complete set of Kruger money and a Boer £10 note. Then there were a number of revolver, Mauser, Martini and Enfield rifle cartridges, a pom-pom shell, the dreaded sjambok with which the Boer delights to flog the Kaffir and anybody else who does not fall in with his ideas, a Kaffir snuff box, and numerous other things. In the Assembly Room there were some very fine Chinese and Japanese exhibits lent by Mrs. Hinton: a white satin bed coverlet, painted with allegorical design, taken in 1860 at the loot of the Summer Palace of the Chinese Emperor at Pekin, and brought to England by Lord Elgin, who gave it to Samuel Rogers, the uncle of the present owner, Mrs. Sharpe, of Highgate. Lord Elgin was the first European Plenipotentiary who entered the Purple City; some specimen fans and Moorish curios by Mrs. A. Graveson; a cabinet of Japanese curiosities by Miss A.R. Andrews, and some Japanese swords by Mr. J.P. Sambels | Lady Helen Faudel-Phillips (née Levy) (59), married, daughter of the proprietor of the Daily Telegraph. Husband Sir George Faudel-Phillips, son of a Jewish City merchant and a leading figure in the City Corporation: elected Lord Mayor 1896; created a Baronet 1897. Came to reside at Balls Park in 1880s. Sir George subsequently became a county magistrate and Deputy-Lieutenant for Herts; member of the County Council; served as High Sheriff 1900-01. Both took a close interest in Hertford and its institutions.
Hellier Robert Hadsley Gosselin (52), single, owner of Bengeo Hall. Educated at Haileybury. Travelled extensively in younger days. Keen antiquarian. Prominent public figure; member of County Council; County Magistrate; Alderman on Hertford Town Council (Mayor 1897-98, 1898-99) Charles Edward Shelly (47), married, son of a solicitor in Nuneaton. Trained in South Africa during the 1870s. Married a girl from a colonial family., Ellen Travers, in 1879. Came to Hertford c11880 and set up his practice at 76 Fore Street. Elected to Aldermanic Bench of Hertford Town Council 1892. George Reynolds Durrant (51), widower, owner of chemist and druggist shop at Old Cross. Former Member of Town Council, Freemason, Churchwarden at St Andrew’s. Clara Frederica Bell (née Taylor) (52), married, clergyman’s daughter; wife of Revd John Thomas Bell, Headmaster of Christ’s Hospital since 1880. Harriete Sophia Foord (37), single, a farmer’s daughter from Kent. Went into domestic service, progressed to being a governess; now employed as a Ward Matron at Christ’s Hospital. Ellen Clara Sharpe( Phillips) (50) married,, daughter of a London glass merchant. Music teacher in younger days. Married a teacher, John Sharpe in 1872. Came to Hertford in 1878 where John took up the post of Steward at Christ’s Hospital. Elizabeth Ginn (née Hancock) (76), widowed, daughter of a Hertford plumber and glazier. Married 1855 Richard Ginn, who became a leading building contractor and public figure in Hertford. Richard died in 1896. Elizabeth now lived at 38 Queen’s Road with unmarried daughter, Ella Beatrice Ginn (39). Mary Ann Robins (née Jackson) (79), widowed. Daughter of Hertford carpenter; took over running the business when he died in 1839. Married 1860 Henry Robins, a schoolteacher. Henry died 1890. mary now living at 55 Fore Street with only son Henry, an accountant. Jessica Mary Hudspeth (née Baker) (39), married, daughter of a former veterinary surgeon and blacksmith at Old Cross. Married 1896 Robert Hudspeth, dentist at 84 Fore Street. Jessica an accomplished violinist took part in performances of the East Herts Musical Society. Emma Rose (née Marks) (44), married, daughter of a Hertford watchmaker and jeweller. Married 1889 Sidney Rose now owner of his family’s printing, bookbinding and bookselling business in Bull Plain.
Edward Birrell (61), married, formerly employed in the Indian Civil Service. Returned to England in 1890s and had recently moved to Hertford. Cyril Patten (17), single, son of a corn merchant and still living at family home at 82 Fore Street. William John Cole (34), married, professional soldier. Served in 15th, the King’s Hussars, 1881-95; left with rank of Squadron Sergeant-Major. Came to Hertford attached to Permanent Staff of the Herts Yeomanry. Selected to accompany contingent of Herts Imperial Yeomanry which volunteered for active service in South Africa 1900-01. Had recently returned home. Also expert swordsman and first class-gymnast.
Margaret Hinton ( Haddon) (75), widowed. Her husband, James Hinton, was a surgeon. Lived for some years in Saville Row. After his death, ran a Young Women’s home in Marylebone, then retired and moved to Hampstead. Came to hertford in 1890s to live with her widowed brother, James Cort Haddin, see above. Ada Rye Andrews (33), single, daughter of W.F. Andrews (see above). Her Japanese curiosities may have been obtained from her Uncle Walter, a clergyman who in the late 1870s became a missionary to Japan and eventually became Bishop of Hokkaido. |
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