Cecil Sharp Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Cecil Sharp (1859-1924) was a pivotal figure in the preservation and revival of English folk music and dance. Born in London, Sharp initially pursued a career in law before his passion for traditional music led him down a different path. He became a music teacher and dedicated himself to collecting and documenting the folk songs and dances of rural England.

Sharp traveled extensively throughout the country, visiting remote villages and communities to collect traditional tunes and dances that had been passed down orally for generations. He meticulously transcribed the music and choreography, ensuring that these cultural treasures would not be lost to time. Sharp’s collections, including “The Folk Songs of England” and “The Morris Book,” remain invaluable resources for folk enthusiasts today.

In addition to his collecting efforts, Sharp was instrumental in establishing the English Folk Dance Society (now known as the English Folk Dance and Song Society) in 1911. This organization played a crucial role in promoting and teaching traditional dances, such as morris dancing and sword dancing, to new generations. Sharp’s tireless work helped to spark a renewed interest in English folk traditions and laid the foundation for the folk revival movement of the mid-20th century.

For many years, Sharp lived at 4 Maresfield Gardens in Camden, London, where this blue plaque was erected in 1985. Camden has long been associated with the arts and cultural scene in London, making it a fitting place for Sharp to have called home. Today, his legacy lives on through the continued celebration and performance of the folk songs and dances he worked so hard to preserve.