A large part of the collection of manuscripts, instruments, awards, artworks and memorabilia of composer Sir Malcolm Arnold is set to go under the auctioneers hammer in April.

Keys Fine Art Auctioneers has announced a special sale of 'The Sir Malcolm Arnold Collection', with around 120 lots from the estate of the composer, comprising items from his lifetime collection and work.

Items

Included are a number of important original manuscripts, such as his 'Symphony No 1' (Opus 22) and 'Grand Fantasia' (Opus 973), as well as several film scores including 'The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery' (1964), 'David Copperfield' (1969), and a one-off copy of 'Peterloo' from Manchester Library.

The instrument he used during his period as Principal Trumpet with the London Philharmonic Orchestra is also included, as are his two Ivor Novello Awards, his Knighthood and his Freedom of the City of Northampton.

Many portraits of the artist by June Mendoza and Marialuissa Merino, a picture signed by Benny Goodman, as well as works by Carel Weight and Merlyn Oliver Evans will also be sold.

Towering figure

Sir Malcolm, who spent his last 22 years of his life living in Norfolk, is widely regarded as one of the most prominent British composers of the 20th century. He was described by the BBC as 'a towering figure in the history of British music'.

Kevin Lines, director and general manager at Keys Fine Art Auctioneers told 4BR: "For anyone interested in music, this is a sale of world importance, a unique opportunity to acquire significant items from the personal collection of one of Britain's greatest composers.

We are expecting considerable interest from musicologists, museums and institutions, as well as ordinary musicians from around the world."

For anyone interested in music, this is a sale of world importance, a unique opportunity to acquire significant items from the personal collection of one of Britain's greatest composersKevin Lines, Keys Fine Art Auctioneers

Date

The Sir Malcolm Arnold Collection Sale will take place on 6th April.

Full details of the items on sale, and details of viewing, will be available in the next few weeks at www.keysauctions.co.uk