*
banner

Firebird rekindles old artistic memories

The artist who designed the famous cover of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band LP 'Firebird' has told 4BR about how she created it 36 years ago, but has still not heard it.

Firebird
  The Firebird LP cover was designed by artist Hilary Scudder

4BR's series that looks back at some of the most important, popular and at times occasionally intriguing LP releases of brass band history has certainly made its mark.

The latest saw 4BR revisit Grimethorpe Colliery Band's 1981 release 'Firebird' — which certainly made an impression at the time — and not just because of the playing on it by the likes of Peter Roberts and Steve Sykes.

Delighted

Following the publication of the article 4BR was contacted by the artist who created the iconic cover, Hilary Scudder, who was delighted to hear that the record still has great appeal.

Hilary, who is now a highly successful ceramicist, artist and author also revealed a little about the design and how it came about, although she also admitted that she had never heard the record itself.

"I used to do quite a bit of work for Polyphonic Recordings,"she said. "I was a young artist, so being asked to design record covers was a great way to get a bit of recognition. Stan Kitchen at Polyphonic used to ring me and ask me to produce some work, and when this came along I just came up with the idea and drew it."

Overlay

With computer design programmes still a little way off, Hilary produced the famous image by hand, using an art board technique that enabled the eventual printers to overlay the separate colours of black, red and yellow.

"It was very time consuming, but rewarding when you finished something like that,"she added. "I remember being pleased by the design and sending it off. They must have been happy as it didn't get sent back! I'm glad it made such an impression, although I have to admit I've never got to hear it."

By a nice coincidence however, Hilary said that she had spoken to Stan Kitchen just a few months ago. "Stan is a lovely man so it was always nice to work for him.

The only pity is that the original artwork was most probably thrown away, and even though I think I was given a free copy I think mine may have been lost over the years as well."

I'm glad it made such an impression, although I have to admit I've never got to hear itHilary Scudder.

Chance to hear it

Thankfully though Hilary will now be able to enjoy the fruits of her labour as 4BR is sending a copy to her — and one that has the autographs of the players and MD who performed on it.

Hilary added: "I've still got a nice record player so I will sit down and enjoy it, even if it is 36 years after I did the work on it!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Sterling instruments

Sterling return at British Open Championship

September 6 • A well respected instrument brand will make a welcome return at the British Open this year.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd