The pictures here have come from various sources, some from old newspaper cuttings, some from photographs. If anyone has other pictures, either of players, instruments, or just memories of other Birmingham players, please get in touch.

"Unknown player outside The Swan pub in 1890"

The photo below shows the player a bit more clearly. If anyone can identify him, please let me know.

" Ernie Biddle " 

Information on Ernie is a bit sketchy. This photograph was taken before 1914 at "The Stratford Mop", which was a street fair, one of the earliest 'Folk Festivals' with various acts and sideshows.

  " Albert Edward Fell "

This picture was taken in 1910. Albert was the father of Bill Fell. According to Bill, Albert was quite well known for playing at a local boxing club while the boxers were knocking hell out of the punch ball, presumably to the beat of the tune. One of Bill's memories of his father was that he'd been invited to a 'posh do' where, instead of the ale he was used to, he was drinking whisky. Apparently he fell out of the hansom cab on his way home and was found lying in the gutter, drunk as a bobhowler, still clutching his dulcimer.

                                                        " Father & son " 

This is a later picture of Albert playing together with son Bill. Looks as if he's saying "Should be this one 'ere son".

Note the ornate inlay work on the peg cover of Bill's instrument. This is a characteristic feature on most of the instruments made by Bill.

" Bill Fell "  

This picture was taken in 1977 at The Great Western Arcade, opposite the old Snow Hill Station. The occasion was to mark the centenary of the opening of the arcade. Every one was dressed in the fashions of the 1870's.

I got to know Bill quite well over the past year, or so. He was well into his 80's, but still playing. He wrote a short, but very comical book, called "Nothing Really Matters - The ravings of an intellectual lunatic". The book sums up Bill's razor sharp wit and intellect, which stayed with him right up to the end. Unfortunately we lost Bill on November 25th 2005. He is sadly missed.......

<<< Have a listen to Bill playing  >>>> 

"Leslie Evans"

I never met him, this picture was taken from an article in "The Evening Mail" dated Nov 5th 1969. As a schoolboy, his interest in the dulcimer was stimulated by hearing a professional musician playing one at a concert. Apparently, this musician offered Leslie an instrument for £5 if he could learn to play it within 7 days. He did and a week later carried it home. He has played countrywide in churches, for charities, and for the BBC.

<<< Have a listen to Leslie playing >>>> 

"Albert Blake"  

This picture was kindly donated by Pete Ariss. Albert was a distant relation on his father's side. Unfortunately, the only information we have on Albert is that he played semi-professionally and that Pete's father recalled seeing him play at the Elite Cinema in Bordesley Green, sometime prior to the 2nd World War. If anyone has any further info, please get in touch.

The Instruments