Quikhist

This business was established in 1900 by the late D. J. Snell who, upon his death, in January, 1957, was described as "The Custodian of Welsh Music." After opening the business, phonographs, cylinder records, pianos, organs and other musical instruments were sold, and great interest was taken in purchasing the publishing rights of Welsh compositions, to such an extent that the firm became - and still is - the largest publishers of Welsh Music in the World, sending to all parts of the World.

In ensuing years, many famous Artistes visited the original

Arcade premises in Swansea, including Patti, Melba and Chaliapin.

Many shops in the Arcade were occupied at various periods including Numbers 7, 8, 9, 10, 14a. 20, and 21-26, which have recently been modernised. For some years just prior to the second World War, a large Warehouse between the Arcade premises and the Mackworth Hotel, which was once the printing shop for the "South Wales Evening Post," was the main store-room for some two million Welsh music copies-the firm's own publications.

During the heavy Swansea blitz one-single incendiary bomb in one corner, set this excellent Warehouse ablaze and nearly

all this stock was lost, including many music printing blocks, which, through the heat, ended up in a large snowball-like shape on the floor below. Fortunately, many other music printing blocks were deposited with other music printers. Nevertheless, there was great difficulty with re-printing of many titles in demand and specimen copies in musicians' hands were often advertised for, with some success.

Snell's were able, for a short while, to satisfy a modest demand by a search in the debris for copies charred at the edges only, and sending them off trimmed and as clean as possible which the recipients were delighted to have. Mr. D. J. Snell was often approached by famous recording Companies about proposed new issues of Welsh records and his advice sought as to what should be recorded.

Over the years there has always been a considerable amount of

correspondence with broadcasting companies, Welsh societies abroad, etc. The present catalogue of music is probably the largest collection of traditional and popular Welsh music available. Today the business is run by the grand daughter of the founder Mrs. Shirley Snell Davies. It is very unusual not to have several Snell publications set as test pieces at Eisteddfodau in Wales. The music is sold all over the world by mail order and through music retailers in the UK. Regular orders are received from the Americas, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Some of the largest musical events in the UK such as the festival of 1000 voices at the Royal Albert Hall obtain their music by the traditional method of "Sending to Snell's". Many famous artists like Bryn Terfel already have.