Website developed by Robin Stevens
The Curwen Cenenary Medal, 1916
Memorial Landmarks
Portrait of
John Curwen
in later life
Plaque located in Green Park, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire
(a small park bounded by Westgate (Market Street-A638),
Northgate (B6117) and Greenside. For further information, click
on the icon opposite:
The text reads:
“John Curwen 1816-1880 The originator of Tonic Sol-fa brought
music to many lands was born on 14 Nov 1816 in the manse
formerly standing near this spot. This plaque was erected by the
John Curwen Society to commemorate his life’s work among
adults & children towards establishing a national choral
tradition. This tablet was unveiled by Councillor C C Walker JP
1st Juy 1988.”
The John Curwen Cooperative Primary Academy, located on Leeds Old Road,
Heckmondwike, is closeby to another Curwen memorial, a street named Curwen Crescent.
Logo of the Tonic Sol-fa
Movement
Located in Plaistow (Curwen’s first pastorate), Curwen Primary School was established in 1888 as ‘Stock Street Board’ until it
was renamed in 1949. The old school was demolished in 1980 and a new school built in Atlas Street in 1881 with additions
being made in 2011 and 2015. The school celebrated the Curwen Bicentenary with special activities - see
http://www.curwen.newham.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=145
