Myra Hess Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Dame Myra Hess (1890-1965) was a renowned British pianist who achieved international acclaim for her performances and her tireless efforts to bring music to the masses during the Second World War. Born in London, Hess began her musical training at a young age and quickly demonstrated her exceptional talent, making her debut at the Queen’s Hall at the age of 17.

Throughout her career, Hess was known for her interpretations of the works of composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann. She toured extensively, performing in Europe and the United States, and was praised for her technical skill, emotional depth, and ability to connect with her audience.

During World War II, Hess organized a series of lunchtime concerts at the National Gallery in London, which had been emptied of its art collection for safekeeping. These concerts, which ran for six and a half years, provided a much-needed respite for war-weary Londoners and became a symbol of the city’s resilience in the face of adversity. Hess’s contributions to the war effort and to music were recognized with her appointment as a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1941.

Dame Myra Hess lived at 48 Wildwood Road in the Borough of Barnet, a residential area in north London known for its green spaces and a vibrant mixture of suburban affluence and urban diversity. The English Heritage Blue Plaque adorning her former home, erected in 1987, serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy as one of Britain’s most beloved and influential musicians of the 20th century.