*
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    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd