Citadel Musical Quintet of Ipswich c.1937 [Author's Collection]. Map extract from Ordnance Survey Sheet 150 Ipswich OS One-Inch Map Depicted 1953, Published 1960. Crown Copyright. Reproduced with kind permission of the National Library of Scotland under the Creative Commons Attribution licence.

Citadel Musical Quintet of Ipswich c.1937

This photograph was taken at the studio of Titshall Bros. at Ipswich in the mid-1930s, the period in which this musical quintet were fairly prolific. The Salvation Army quintet toured extensively, "giving their services with the object of spreading the Gospel and bringing happiness and blessing to the people by the ministry of music and song." Wherever they played in other Citadel buildings the house would be packed. The leader of the quintet was Bandsman Cyril Borrowdale, an expert pianist and novelty instrumentalist. His wife, Ellen, was an elocutionist. George Foster, a baritone, was a key member. His daughters, Audrey and Olive, completed the Quintet with pianoforte, vocal vibraphone and saxophone turns at their command. The Quintet would perform popular classical music composed by the likes of Schubert, Liszt and Handel. Judging by the inclusion of bells and hand-saw, the group provided a novel approach for their audiences.¹

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References
1. "Talented Musicians" : Stapleford & Sandiacre News; July 29th, 1939, Page 1.

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