Dr John Bradshaw
This framed image of a 1920’s choir and orchestra at a performance is a slightly faded reminder of the importance of music to the history of Canterbury College. The photograph came from the personal collection of John Christopher Bradshaw, a hugely talented musician and teacher who would be instrumental in the teaching of music at Canterbury College, now the University of Canterbury. The bronze plaque on the frame reads ‘Presented to Dr J C Bradshaw by the Royal Christchurch Musical Society 1920’.
Bradshaw began his musical training in his home country of England. He attended the Royal Manchester College of Music, the University of Manchester and Manchester Cathedral for his musical training. After gaining his Doctorate in Music in 1901, he became the youngest Doctor of Music in the British Empire. Bradshaw left England for Christchurch in 1902 to take up the appointment as organist and choirmaster at Christchurch Cathedral. Shortly after, he also took up a position as Lecturer in Music at Canterbury College.
In 1937, Bradshaw left his position at the Cathedral to invest all his time and energy into the College and he became Chair of Music in 1938. Unfortunately, due to poor health, Bradshaw took his retirement in 1941, marking the end of 40 years of service to the College. He had managed and guided the music programme at the College almost single handedly and overseen the programme’s shift from an after-hours pastime to a serious discipline focused on systematic training.
Bradshaw held very high standards for himself, and reputedly his students, that ensured their success. His students were in awe of Bradshaw as “it was impossible not to catch his spirit of enthusiasm.” Bradshaw’s spirit, excellence in music and enthusiasm for improvement impacted the programme and the students at Canterbury College significantly, as well as the overall music scene in Christchurch.
The framed photograph Bradshaw was gifted would not be the only honor and recognition he would receive for his contributions to the music community in Christchurch. Several music awards were named in honor of him, and the Dr J C Bradshaw prize is still awarded to the most deserving choirboy of the year at Christchurch Cathedral, 85 years later. The University has always held a special connection with the wider community and faculty were expected to be influential in the community to some degree. This photograph in particular highlights the success that Bradshaw had in the public arena.
