Arnold Bax Blue Plaque

Lambeth Erected 1993

Inscription

Sir Arnold Bax 1883-1953 composer was born here

About This Blue Plaque

Sir Arnold Bax, born in 1883 at 13 Pendennis Road in Streatham, was a celebrated English composer, pianist, poet, and author. He grew up in a musical family and showed early talent, entering the Royal Academy of Music at age 17. There he studied composition under the renowned Frederick Corder.

Bax drew inspiration from a wide range of influences, including Irish and Celtic literature, the poetry of W.B. Yeats, and the music of Russia. His diverse body of work spanned symphonies, tone poems, chamber music, solo piano pieces and more than 250 songs. Some of his most famous compositions include the symphonic poem “Tintagel” and his seven symphonies.

In recognition of his contributions, Bax was knighted in 1937 and later appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in 1953, the year of his passing. He served as Master of the King’s Music from 1942 until his death. Today, the childhood home where Bax’s musical journey began proudly displays a Blue Plaque, installed in 1993, commemorating the life and legacy of one of Streatham’s most distinguished residents. Visitors to this peaceful residential street in the Borough of Lambeth can pause to reflect on the composer’s remarkable achievements that were nurtured in this very spot.