Vera Langley papers and photographs, 1929-1995

MLMSS 8047/Box 1
MLMSS 8047/Box 2X

fonds

1929-1995

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Clippings, Photographs

930865

0.46 metres of textual material and photographs (1 box, 1 outsize box)

Vera Langley (1914-2006) was born in Alexandria, Egypt, to an English father, Amadeo Langley, and a French-Italian mother, Maria Yanni. She grew up speaking French. She studied at the Berlin State Academy of Music, becoming an accomplished classical pianist. In 1948, Vera and her sister Lila Chalmers left for Australia on the SS Napoli. Settling first in Kings Cross, Vera soon took up work at Jenolan Caves Hotel where she entertained customers with her wide range of light and classical pieces.

After about two years, she returned to Sydney and was appointed manager of the record department at Swain's in Pitt Street. There she presided over lunchtime recitals of recorded music, often inviting distinguished conductors and soloists to the recitals. At times, the crowds spilled out into Pitt Street. When Swain's closed, Vera ran the music section of the ABC library, then in Mark Foys.

Together, Vera and Lila formed the Chalmers Langley Music School, later the Chalmers, Langley and Bynon School. Vera taught piano at her flat in Cowper Towers, Randwick, throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Reference:
Obituary, Sydney Morning Herald, 28 August 2006, p.16.

BOX 1
1. Correspondence and references, 1929-1973
2. Papers relating to visiting artists and lunchtime recitals of recorded music presented at Swain's Record Department, 1954-1960
3. Papers relating to the Chalmers Langley Music School, including newscuttings, 1972-1981, student piano examination reports, 1976-79, and student concert programs, 1983-1995
4. Exercise book relating to dance classes, 1973-1977

BOX 2X
88 black & white photographs, ca.1957-ca.1960, chiefly of Swain's Record Department including window displays, visiting artists and crowds at lunchtime recitals of recorded music. Visiting artists featured include Daniel Barenboim, Andor Foldes, Eugene Istomin, Julius Katchen, Josef Krips, Charles Mackerras, Nicolai Malko, Petre Munteanu, Elena Nikolaidi and David Oistrakh. Includes 2 photographs inscribed and signed by David Oistrakh, 1 photograph inscribed and signed by Petre Munteanu and 1 photograph signed by Elena Nikolaidi. Commercial photographers include Hal Williamson, John Fullarton, Paul Trenoweth, Norman L. Danvers and Jack Hickson.