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Arboretum Bandstand (s) (see also The Victorian Bandstand) |
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A tent structure such as this one in use during the summer of 1934,
had been used as a bandstand at this location since the Arboretum opened
on September 16th 1840.
Note the people standing on the mound in the background. The mound was removed to accommodate the Art Deco stand in 1935, the year after this photo was taken. Photo courtesy of the Derby Evening Telegraph, July 25th 1934.
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| The above event was a live broadcast by BBC Midland Regional Radio Station, by the Band of the Grenadier Guards from the Derby Arboretum around 21st/22nd July 1934. | |
| Right: An item from the Derby Evening Telegraph, September 1933, showing that there was a campaign to provide a bandstand in the Arboretum. |
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The Art Deco Bandstand Joseph Strutt had instructed that two open spaces were maintained "where large a tent may be pitched and a band might stand and people may dance &co". (Loudon, 1840), Loudon provided the two open spaces, these were clear of any trees and shrubs, as Strutt had instructed. After many years of using a tent as a bandstand and a vigorous public campaign, it was decided that a modern bandstand would be provided within the Arboretum. As a result, Charles Aslin (the Borough Architect responsible for the Central Improvement Plan) was called upon to deign a Concert Band Stand. this was built within one of Strutt's open spaces, close to the Bowling Green and was opened on May 6th 1935. Bands such as the Band of the Second Battalion of the Kings own Royal Regiment, The Black Dyke and Brighouse and Rastrick Bands would perform here. Midland Regional Radio broadcasts of concerts would be made from the Arboretum throughout the mid 30s to late 40s.
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We want a New Band Stand
More Structures and Ornamentation: The Band Stands Right This photograph, dated June 1994, shows Charles Aslin's Art Deco Bandstand located in front of the Joseph Strutt Bowls Club. Move your mouse pointer over the photo to see the same view as it is today (Taken August 2003) Note the fountain had not been replaced at this time. The fountain was part of the Derby Pride Project, which helped towards the second of a series of refurbishment projects. Link to Christopher Bentley's Charles Aslin Society Website for more about the architect |
Charles Aslin's "Art Dco" Concert Bandstand |
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A Band Concert - 1940's |
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Photograph courtesy of Derby Evening Telegraph |
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The Concert Bandstand received a fresh coat of paint during a refurbishment project in the summer of 1994 and was in use until 1995-6. It was destroyed by fire, following a deliberate arson attack by youths playing with fireworks, sometime between October and November 1994, this appears to have been the second attempt by vandals to destroy the bandstand. |
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Starring Role for Bandstand A scene ( about 4 minutes long) from Ken Russell's 1969 film adaptation of D. H. Lawrence's novel, "Women In Love" with Glenda Jackson, Alan Bates and Oliver Reed was shot in the Arboretum, complete with Edwardian extras and looking almost exactly like one of our early photographs. The scene was very convincingly early 20th century as the Arboretum makes a superb period drama/film location. The Concert Stand (out of period in reality), along with the newly cleaned and painted eastern pavilion, can be seen quite clearly in the background. |
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Rolls Royce Band performing during the summer of 1989 David Morley 1989 |
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Right: The original mound, removed in 1935 to make way for the long awaited second bandstand, has now been re-constructed. See the B/W photo above, the mound is clearly visible behind the temporary bandstand tent. The demand for a new bandstand in growing as local people are realizing what they have lost. The suggestions for having some portable structure or a marquee has been rejected by local people, on the grounds that it would be impractical. just as the pre 1935 marquee bandstand was. History is now repeating itself with the beginnings of a new campaign to bring back a bandstand. We are puzzled as to why we were not consulted on this matter at the start, as it would have saved money and time. |
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We Want a New Bandstand A common complaint by tourists from over seas is that they expected to see a traditional band stand in Derby, but alas we do not have one at any of our parks or open spaces. There are no plans for a replacement bandstand, however if we are to follow Strutt and Loudon's wishes, some provision must be made for space to be retained for some form of permanent or semi-permanent structure to house a band. I (Chris Harris) am now delivering presentations about the Arboretum and am involved with the Derby Heritage Society. It appears from my many contacts with fellow Derby Citizens, that history is about to repeat itself, like the 1934/5 campaign for a "modern" bandstand in the Arboretum, there is now a growing demand for a replacement bandstand. Nottingham Arboretum, Leek, Ashbourne and Buxton's Victorian parks all have bandstands which are still used to host band concerts. |
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preferred location (by a growing number of local people) for a
reconstructed bandstand would be in the Nature Garden which is outside
the area covered by the historical site.
Here I have superimposed a photo of Buxton's new Victorian style Bandstand onto a photo of the Nature garden to give an impression of how a similar bandstand would look at this location. This bandstand could easily be re-produced here in the Arboretum and would be far more efficient, attractive and practical than any troublesome mobile unit. The Buxton Bandstand was constructed in 1997 and opened on September 7th 1997 in memory of Don Redfern, conductor, player and promoter of brass bands. |
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Copyright Christopher Harris 2002-2006 |
