The Private Library of Derek Bell (1935-2002): Initial Findings

This paper considers the career of one of Ireland’s most renowned and unique musicians through initial investigation of his private library collection. The Derek Bell Collection was until now in the private ownership of his widow, Stefanie Bell, who donated the collection in late 2015 to Dublin Institute of Technology and the Irish Traditional Music Archives.

The extensive personal library of scores, recordings, books, writings, manuscripts and correspondence reflects Derek Bell’s wide musical interests. In many ways it mirrors his musical personality, that of a performer on multiple instruments, arranger, composer and collector. The rarest materials are the manuscripts of his arrangements and compositions, as well as his extensive correspondence. This primary source material provides a rich resource which when fully examined will provide a greater understanding and knowledge of one of Ireland’s best known musicians and his interaction with wider musical and cultural circles. This paper will provide an introduction to the scope of the collection, outlining initial findings and considering potential for further research.