Thomas Allan (publisher)
Thomas Allan | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Died | April 8, 1894 (aged 61) |
| Occupation(s) | Music publisher, collector, bookseller, stationer |
| Known for | Tyneside Songs publications |
Thomas Allan (born 25 November 1832, died 8 April 1894) was a notable English music publisher and collector of regional songs from Newcastle upon Tyne, recognized for his significant role in preserving local musical heritage.
Career
Allan initially became involved in the stationery trade in 1858 by joining his brother Ralph's business. He later established his own retail outlet specializing in paper products and books.
The publication Tyneside Songs
Allan released his debut publication, Tyneside Songs, in 1862, concentrating primarily on compositions by Edward "Ned" Corvan and George "Geordie" Ridley. Over subsequent editions, he considerably enlarged the work to almost 600 pages, renaming it Allan's Tyneside Songs. This expanded version included detailed backgrounds on the songs, biographies of authors and performers, as well as traditional pieces to enhance its appeal. It has since become an essential resource for historical study.
The collection saw multiple editions: the second edition appeared in 1863; the third followed in 1864 under the title A Choice Collection of Tyneside Songs by E. Corvan, G. Ridley, J.P. Robson, R. Emery ...; and another edition was published in 1872.
The 1873 edition incorporated a broader range of contributors such as Joe Wilson, Corvan, Mitford, Gilchrist, Robson, Harrison, Emery, Ridley, Oliver, and Shield. Printed by Allan at addresses on Dean Street and Collingwood Street in Newcastle upon Tyne—with Ralph Allan noted as a distributor—it featured poet biographies, images of the town, and portraits of local writers.
The final version appeared in 1891 titled Allan's Illustrated Edition of Tyneside Songs and Readings. This updated release contained biographies, portraits, handwritten signatures of the authors, and annotations on the songs. Published jointly by Thomas and George Allan from Blackett Street and Collingwood Street in Newcastle upon Tyne, it was retailed by W Allan on Grainger Street, B Allan in North Shields, and W Scott in London.
See also
External links
- 1832 births
- 1894 deaths
- 19th-century English antiquarians
- 19th-century English businesspeople
- 19th-century British publishers (people)
- English book publishers (people)
- English booksellers
- English collectors
- English music publishers (people)
- Geordie songwriters
- Musicians from Newcastle upon Tyne
- Stationers (people)