Papers of Dame Fanny Waterman

Description

The material comprises the personal archive of Dame Fanny Waterman, covering her career as a piano teacher, speaker, author and organiser of musical events. The archive also reflects personal milestones in her life.


The archives represent the history of one of the most significant cultural events in Leeds’ recent history, the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition established in 1961. There are administrative and publicity documents from the competition and other music events in which Dame Fanny was involved. The collection gives an insight into wider cultural and musical networks, how they were formed and operated. It also provides an insight into the careers of young pianists.

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Biography or history

Dame Fanny was born on 22 March 1920 in Leeds. Her parents were Myer Waterman (formerly Wasserman) and Mary (née Behrmann). Dame Fanny was a piano teacher and the founder of the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition. For many years she was its Chairman and Artistic Director for many years. Dame Fanny won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music and was tutored by Cyril Smith. In 1944 she married a doctor, Geoffrey de Keyser. After the birth of her first son in 1950 Dame Fanny gave up her concert career and became a well-known piano teacher in the Leeds area.


With Marion, Countess of Harewood, and Roslyn Lyons she established the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition in 1961. It is recognised as one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world, and previous winners have gone on to become world-famous concert pianists. Her services to Leeds were recognised when she was awarded the Freedom of the City of Leeds in 2006.


Dame Fanny has served on the juries of international piano competitions throughout the world. She has published several books about teaching, and learning to play, the piano. A passionate advocate of excellence in piano playing, Dame Fanny has contributed to articles in the press and given numerous speeches and interviews on the subject. In 2010 she appeared on 'Desert Island Discs'.


Dame Fanny has been awarded the OBE, CBE and DBE, and a ‘woman of the year’ award. She has received a doctorate in music from the University of Leeds and Honorary Membership of the Royal Philharmonic Society, amongst other awards and recognition. Dame Fanny died on 20 December 2020

Provenance

Donated by Dame Fanny Waterman in November 2017.

Subject terms added as part of Yerusha Project in 2025.

Access and usage

Reproduction

Access

This collection has not been listed in detail and access to parts of it may be protected under the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation. If you would like to request access to any part of this collection, please contact Special Collections. Upon receipt of your request, a member of the team will discuss your requirements with you and review relevant material accordingly

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Related subjects / tags

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