Museums And Archives

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor 150

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a conductor and composer of British-African heritage who lived most of his life in Croydon. We are planning a six-month celebration of Taylor’s life, work and legacy in Croydon, running from 15 August (birth date) until the end of the year. Arts, heritage, education and outreach events will make Croydon the centre of the 150th anniversary year, ensuring this event of national significance does not go unnoticed. We aim to: 1. Develop wider understanding of Taylor’s unique and important story, making sure it is saved and valued; 2. Further the work of our London Borough of Culture (LBoC) and legacy programmes in surfacing hidden histories and celebrating seldom seen communities; 3. Encourage creative outputs inspired by Taylor; 4. Develop new audiences; 5. Launch newly refurbished Museum gallery and programme with a strong local story; 6. Support economic regeneration/Croydon Growth Plan objectives.