If you’re a focused student who might be working to support your academic goals, you’ll know that your mission is far from easy.

Which is even more reason to make the most of your breaks and, whenever possible, take off to foreign climes with your classmates to relax, unwind and recharge your batteries.

When there are so many departure points to choose from, Stansted might seem like a bit of a left field choice.

But bear with us, because this underdog air hub is more manageable than larger counterparts and still serves up flights to fantastic destinations.

With that in mind, here are three reasons Stansted’s a super springboard for student breaks.

1. Awesome Agadir

Morocco is a marvellous location which bridges the gap between African and European cultures, and it’s been a hot spot for cultural exchanges for centuries.

Agadir is probably the party capital — it’s situated on the country’s southern Atlantic coast and is just under a four hour flight from Stansted.

You can see historical sights like the Kasbah during the day and party at luxe clubs like the So Lounge by night, so there’s something for everyone.

When you want to experience a different lifestyle dimension with enough home comforts to feel comfortable, Agadir might be right up your street.

2. Brill Budapest

Hungary’s capital Budapest is actually two cities divided by the river Danube and this cool, combined metropolis is one of Europe’s best places to have a good time.

Buda Castle sits perched on the hilly top of Buda Old Town, and if you trek up to this landmark, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful views of the city as well as beautiful architecture at your fingertips.

But for something a little less sedate, there’s Asian fusion cuisine at Buddha Bar Hotel, cheeky cocktails at Blue Fox The Bar and an amazing array of indigenous schnapps to sink at PalinkaShop.

Hungary has emerged from Fascism and Communism and Budapest is where the resulting sense of freedom is championed the most.

3. Cool Corfu

Summers in Britain are beginning to feel like they’re getting hotter, but our weather is still frustratingly unpredictable.

So the best way to beat the Blighty weather blues is to holiday in a location like Corfu.

This sun-kissed Greek island is simply sublime — the sunshine’s perpetual and there are stunning sandy beaches that back onto rolling verdant hills.

According to Discover Greece, the inspirational island’s most Instagrammable spots are Apraos Beach, stunning mountain sunsets from Pelekas and the vibrant old town, where French, English and Venetian influences combine in a heady and unique ambience.

Getting there

You and your mates can bag a bargain on flights from Stansted to any one of these locations by checking with a comparison site like Skyscanner.net.

And if your group consists of far-flung classmates, the comfiest way to travel together might be by car, stopping to pick everyone up on the way — Looking4.com has Stansted airport parking deals aplenty if you choose this route.

That’s our list! Share your own Stansted student travel tips in the comments section.

The post 3 reasons Stansted’s a super springboard for student breaks appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Maths homework need not be a chore. Even the most calculation-shy teen can learn to enjoy maths, with a little imagination

Maths has an unfair reputation as the most boring of school subjects. Maths is not just a school subject, but a fundamental part of day to day life, and it’s therefore vital that your child is not discouraged from studying it. Maths does not need to be any less exciting than any other topic. If your teen loves English, art, music or science, then there’s no reason why they cannot also come to love maths. All it takes is a little creativity.

Make it a game

Maths needn’t be about a page of problems to struggle through; instead you should look on the subject as an opportunity to solve puzzles and challenge yourself in a positive way. When maths is no longer intimidating, it becomes little more than a relaxing brain-training activity, and the best way to make maths feel less stressful is to turn it into a game. You can do this by incorporating maths into board or card games, or buying a book of puzzles, like Sudoku. Adding a little competitive play will help your teen learn in a more interactive, hands-on manner, and make maths feel less intimidating.

Involve the screen

Teenagers love their devices, so bring maths into their world by downloading maths apps onto their phone or tablet. There are tons of apps out there for every maths subject, from basic concepts to more niche theories. They might be games, puzzles, or interactive educational tools, but any will provide your teen with the skills, knowledge and practice they need.

Talk to their teacher

Your child’s maths teacher is the best resource you have at your disposal. Anyone who dedicates their life to teaching maths to teenagers is bound to have some tricks to share. Make an appointment with them to discuss your teenager’s needs and concerns, and ask them if they can recommend any books, tools or other resources which might make revision and homework easier and more enjoyable.

Set a good example

Letting your child know that you dislike maths, or were never any good at, will make you seem like a hypocrite when you try to get them to do some homework or revision. Instead encourage them to embrace maths as an enjoyable challenge, one which you can help them to overcome. Children need to know that just because something appears difficult, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing.

Show them the relevance

Maths is a part of life. Show your teen how many things depend on a basic knowledge of maths, so they know that they cannot escape it. Get them to help with cooking or baking to measure out ingredients, work out times and temperatures. Ask them to help you work out the grocery bill in the supermarket, or even get a part time job to work out wages.

Consider summer school

Summer school isn’t a punishment, but a wonderful way to increase your child’s knowledge, confidence, social skills, and to equip them with all the tools they’ll need for university and their future careers. The Immerse Education summer school in Cambridge provides a well-rounded combination of traditional classroom teaching, in-class discussions, and interactive activities to help your teenager learn maths in the manner best suited to their needs. The other students are friendly, the tutors are world-renowned experts, and the surroundings of the esteemed university colleges  is sure to inspire any teenager – whether they love maths or just need to increase their confidence – to study hard and achieve great things.

The post 6 ways to encourage your teen to want to study maths appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

“Scalp micropigmentation” – a non-invasion treatment has been lauded by people who are balding, says it was helpful in gaining confidence.

Derek Russell who had been embarrassed due to hair fall, wouldn’t go anywhere without a hat. Either it be a wedding or a party, he would put on a matching hat. “Most people [might think], ‘What should I match my shoes with?’” the 29-year-old says. “But the first thing I thought about was my hat.”

Though he still wears hat occasionally he no longer feels uncomfortable taking it off. Now he can go to a wedding or any party without wearing a hat. What’s the motivation behind this change? You might be wondering. Almost three months back Russell underwent scalp micropigmentationin Leeds. It’s a hair-loss treatment which originated from the United Kingdom but has gradually reached other parts of the world including the United States.

“I can’t even tell what’s real [hair] or what’s not sometimes,” says Russell.

Scalp Micropigmentation is a revolutionary, non-surgical alternative that is recommended for patients who are not candidates for hair transplant or are interested in a non-invasive treatment. It can also be combined with hair transplant in patients with poor donor area to make the transplanted hair appear fuller.

Patients with scarring, more specifically the linear scar left after the strip method, can benefit from this procedure as the pigmentation can hide the scar. The permanent, all-natural pigment is color matched to your hair and applied directly to the skin, creating thousands of tiny pigmented dots, replicating the natural appearance of real hair follicles.

Manhattan-based practitioner Matt Iulo says almost 80% of his customers are men. “Any time a man comes in here and reveals his hair loss and discusses his situation, it’s generally one of the first times he’s actually doing so,” Iulo says.

Research by the American Hair Loss Association highlights the fact that two-thirds of men experience some sort of hair loss when they reach the age of 35. When crossing 50, almost 80% of the men have notably thinner hair. Androgenetic alopecia is cited as the most common cause of this problem. This pattern baldness is marked in men by thinning hairlines or the front side of the head hair.

Lulo is very well aware of the importance of this treatment; he too suffered hair loss at an early age and it was scalp micropigmentation that helped him get through the embarrassment.  Lulo knows that how an individual’s self-confidence disappears with one’s hair. He understands his client’s issues and emphasizes on to have this treatment as a means of gaining confidence.

Lulo explains the side effects of hair loss. He recalls an event when a client told him that despite being religious, he wouldn’t go to church as he didn’t want people to stare at his bald bad.  “He didn’t want people staring at his bald head,” Iulo says. “Hair can affect someone’s life in little ways, but it can really add up.”

Patients require three to four sessions, seven to ten days apart. The length of the first two sessions can take anywhere from two to four hours. The third and fourth session may last as little as forty-five minutes, up to two hours. After the procedure, patients will have mild redness that will subside within the first few days. The final result occurs two to four weeks after your final procedure, as it takes time for the pigments to settle into the scalp and blend in. The result is a 3D visual illusion of natural-appearing hair.

D’Appolonia is another client who underwent Scalp micro pigmentation. He would take at least an hour to get ready and would spend most of the time trying to adjust hair on his head with the aim of covering the bald area. He used Caboki – a shake-on concealer made of plant-based fibers that help to fill in the hair on individual’s head, including hair sprays, glues, and a hairdryer to put each hair in the ideal spot, making bathroom untidy during the process.

Any activity that had the risk of resulting in excessive sweating were avoided by D’Appolonia because he was afraid that the black tinted ink from the Caboki would begin to leak down his face. According to him, he not only encountered social challenges but also faced professional hunches: D’Appolonia is a mentor of physical education. “It was constant that I’d have to run to the bathroom to make sure black stuff wasn’t all on my forehead.”

D’Appolonia was 18 years old when the hair fall began. One of a friend used to call his head a mansion head because his head which was previously covered in thick natural hair was now in a state where the front had two paths and the hairline was adopting the shape of a peninsula and the back had a pool and the crown had a visible absence of hair.

“I recognize it sounds ineffective, but I didn’t feel as attractive, and I was losing a lot of confidence because of that,” D’Appolonia says.

He didn’t share any of his concerns and issues with family or friends; mainly because of the fact that he concealed his emotions so well; no one guessed something was wrong. At one instance, he was on a holiday with his wife’s family; D’Appolonia left the park before her family, so he can get ready without them knowing his hair care procedure.

D’Appolonia and Derek Russell both acknowledge that some might think this process isn’t helpful or doesn’t help the hair loss issue, but both the men don’t feel this way. The procedure isn’t about getting your hair back; the procedure is more about what makes them happy. This process helps bald people gain confidence; others won’t understand it.

Gallo is another client who thought of undergoing the same treatment. When a friend underwent scalp micropigmentation last fall, Gallo thought of having the same treatment so as to gain confidence. But he has changed his decision and has decided not to have it. Being bald doesn’t bother him much now. In fact, he thinks the bald head looks good on him. Also, this hasn’t affected his lifestyle anyway, he notes.

“I’m not bragging, saying I look astonishing, but not everyone looks good bald, so I get why people would feel unconfident and why people would want to get [scalp micropigmentation] done,” he says.

When men start to lose their hair, it can affect not only how they see themselves, but how they sense about themselves as well. Their confidence and self-esteem can be lost and they may not feel as attractive as they once did. That’s why scalp micropigmentation is the best course of action for those in this situation, because of the many benefits this process can offer to those suffering from hair loss.

The post Going bald? There’s a tattoo for that appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

As a student, you are probably thinking about what will happen when you leave college or university and start working. You may already have begun the process of applying for jobs and sending out your CV to a variety of different places. However, there are some things that you should look for when applying for jobs that are important; applying for everything and anything just to get paid may be good for your bank account, but it won’t necessarily be good for your physical or mental health and happiness. Read on to see what you should be looking for in a job before you apply or accept a position.

Hours Of Work

Not every job is going to be atraditional 9 to 5 one, and before you commit to any job, you need to be sure of the hours that you will be expected to work. It’s important to know, of course, when your start time is, but how much work after hours is usually done? Will you be paid for this extra work, or is it just something that has become ‘the norm’ in this particular company? If so, when will you have time to relax?

It is also important to think carefully about jobs that involve shift work. This can take some getting used to, and not everyone is able to manage well with hours that change from week to week or even day to day; this kind of work can really have an impact on how you live your life. Make sure you know exactly what you are gettinginto before signing any contracts.

Up To Date Technology

We all know that the world is heading ever more towards a technology-based workforce, and for many, that’s an exciting opportunity. What about the company you are applying for a job in? Do they see the potential in new tech, or are they clinging onto the old ways of doing things? Ask about how they work, whether they have cloud based programs such as peoplexcd.com or is everything done in the office on a laptop, that could have security issues or stop working due to age or a virus?

Whichever company you choose to work in, it should be a forward thinking one. That way you know that there will be growth in the future and it will be a long term prospect that will offer you the chance for advancement in your career.

The Office Culture

Work isn’t just work– there is a social element to it as well. It is important that all employees are happy in their work and are productive, and that they all get on well. They don’t all have to be best friends, but if there is any animosity within the office, it can make it a difficult place to work in.

When you go for an interview, make sure you also speak to the people working in the company themselves. Ask about the atmosphere in the office and if they are happy working there. Ask about social events and what the company culture is really like. This way you will get a good insight into the office and you can determine whether it is the kind of place you would like to work in.

The post What To Look For When Applying For A Job appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Starting university can be stressful. New environments, new faces and living in a new city (often away from family) can be difficult to deal with.

To get you prepared, we have put together some useful tips to help you survive the first year at university!

Get your accommodation sorted

Before you embark on your university journey, make sure that you sign up in good time for the right accommodation – most commonly, this halls of residence, but some freshers choose to spend their first year in a flat or a shared house.

Start off by deciding what type of housing will suit your living needs and budget. You might be tempted to live on your own as many estate agents offer “affordable student placements”, but you should bear in mind that there are additional charges you need to consider on the top of the monthly rent – such as agent fees, council tax and bills. Moreover, if you hope to live a typical “student life” including hosting parties at your place, you should be also prepared for the extra “maintenance” costs, which can occur as the result of any damage caused!

If you are looking to move in with friends, you may be scared of the size of the apartment – especially if you need some extra room to carry out any tasks that will require space.  To solve this, you might also want to seek an inexpensive student-storage unit to store all your belongings for the next three years. Hiring storage is also a great idea if you need a safe space for gear such as bikes, seasonal clothes or revision books.

Think about your transport options

If you found the accommodation within walking distance of your university campus, consider yourself lucky!

However, if you happen to find yourself living on the other side of the city or town you’re studying in, then you might want to weigh up your options when it comes to using public transport versus owning a car. Whilst public transport may look like the best choice at first glance, it can actually turn out to be quite expensive, especially if you were to regularly travel back to visit your family and friends (considering the rail ticket prices!).

Getting a car, on the other hand, could save you both money and time, especially if you are planning to travel around quite frequently. However, while there is nothing more exciting than driving your own car, you might discover that the insurance, road tax and car maintenance costs can be much high – especially if you are a newly qualified driver. Newer drivers are thought to be more likely to get involved in road accidents and traffic violations. The good news is that you can still get an affordable car that will serve your needs – for example, cars like Vauxhall Corsa or Seat Ibiza, which are both spacious and inexpensive to maintain – happy days!

Supplement your student loan with a job

To better ensure financial security whilst you’re studying, you should consider finding a part-time job.

While getting a student loan to keep you solvent seems like a no-brainer, you should take on board that the more you borrow, the more you will eventually have to pay back.

Getting a part-time job, on the other hand, will grant you some extra cash every month so you can cover your personal expenses and basic living costs. Having a student job is also a great way to socialise and gain new work experience and skills – definitely helpful when you eventually need to secure a graduate job!

To find a part-time job, check out the job board at your University, speak to your University’s Careers department, or visit one of the many UK student jobs portals such as StudentJob.co.uk.

Always look for benefits

Being a student comes with many perks. One of them is getting access to retail discounts at hundreds of stores and shops. To make sure that you take the full advantage of them, get yourself an NUS Extra or UNIDays card, and enjoy paying far less for some for items like clothing, entertainment and public transport tickets!

The post Stressing Out About Your Student Life? Here Are Some Great Tips on Surviving Your First Year at University appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Small online mistakes can lead to serious consequences for hard-working students. As many often need to gain access to a shared public network to study or write papers on college/university campuses or in coffee shops, they could be increasing their risk of a malicious cyber attack.

To ensure your data and devices are safe and secure when studying for an upcoming exam or writing an essay, read the below advice for keeping your online student work protected.

Avoid Downloading Free Media

Many students might be tempted to download free online tools or apps to support their studies. However, you must avoid downloading software unless it is from a reputable, widely-trusted brand.

A failure to do so could result in the downloading of a Trojan virus, which can install a software-like key logger that can monitor everything you type into a computer, including:

• Usernames
• Passwords
• Financial information

Regularly Change and Vary Your Passwords

If a cyber criminal can gain access to one account, they might attempt to break into additional accounts that belong to you. You can also make the task easier for a cyber criminal if you have the same username and password for every platform you use.

To keep hackers at bay, regularly change your password and aim to use different passwords for different accounts. You also must avoid writing your login credentials down, as the information could fall into the wrong hands.

Install an Advanced Security Suite

Prevent threats from destroying your informative essays or study materials by installing an advanced security suite. The license bundle will feature:

• Gateway anti-malware
• Intrusion prevention
• Content filtering
• Application control

Find the right software for your needs at sonicwallonline.co.uk, who offer packages to suit the length of your course, such as one-year, three years, and five-year licenses.

Block Pop-Ups

Avoid accidentally clicking on a harmful advertisement by blocking pop-ups on your device. While Safari, Firefox and IE have built-in pop-up blockers to install, Google Chrome will allow you to customise the pop-up restrictions, which will ensure you don’t miss important online information.

Look for HTTPS

Many reputable, trusted websites feature HTTPS encryption, which will scramble your account information to prevent identity theft. To ensure you never use an untrusted website, look for “https” at the start of a web address, which will provide peace of mind that a site is safe and secure.

Regularly Backup Your Files

Few things are more heartbreaking than realising a critical essay is missing from a folder, or a cyber criminal has corrupted it. Ensure you never lose an important paper by routinely backing up your files.

For example, you could store a backup version of an essay:

• In the cloud
• On a USB drive
• On an external hard drive

It will ensure you have a copy of a valuable document should you accidentally delete an essay, download a virus, or lose a device, which could help you to pass a course with flying colours.

Following the above tips will provide you with peace of mind that your essays and study materials are protected, so you can focus 100% of your attention on gaining a qualification.

The post Keeping Your Online Student Work Protected: A Guide appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Almost every student has the ambition of becoming a successful blogger, however, having a passion for writing is the fundamental basic to getting off on the right foot. Blogs are a great platform for those who like to publicly discuss topics close to their heart or have an interest in voicing their opinions and giving advice to others. Many choose to blog as a hobby; however, some individuals have the dream of making a living out of blogging as soon as they leave university. Sound appealing?

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful blogger:

Invest in a hosting platform

First and foremost, you’ll need to invest in a hosting platform to get your blog up and running. It can be hard to choose the best  host as there are so many available, but how do you know which one is right for you?

Many newbies start off with WordPress, which is one of the world’s most popular blogging sites. This free hosting platform allows you to build your own website in a number of minutes; however, there are limitations as to what you can achieve when using just the free features. If you are seriously thinking of making blogging your profession, it would be an idea to invest in a package that will ultimately establish your brand and set you up for a large following. Such packages allow for a significant number of visitors, higher performance, increased storage, and faster speed. Onyx.io, for example, has a package which allows blogs to receive 20,000 visitors per month, with a 5GB storage and a daily backup feature; as well as providing the added benefit of accessing your dashboard on-the-go.

Decide on the subject matter of your blog

In order for your blog to be successful, you need to choose a niche that’s different and will be of interest to a wide following; however, you’ll also need to be an expert on the subject matter. It’s always best to create your blog around something you’re interested in, or your lack of enthusiasm will soon show within your content. Choose a niche that will provide answers to solutions, whether it be through in-depth discussions, question and answer sessions or focusing on current news that fits in with your niche.

Choose a great design

Your blog needs to be noticed, therefore, the design and name of your blog are crucial for gaining wide interest. In terms of design, you can choose from a selection of themes that will make your website appear professional and eye-catching. The theme should be in keeping with your niche, so the audience knows what to expect, but themes are easily customisable so you can put your own stamp on the design and create something unique. In most cases, you can change your theme whenever you wish without losing any of your existing content or images.

Make your content interesting

Once you have your blog up and running, you need to plan intriguing content that will leave the user eager to know what’s coming next. Come up with several titles under your niche umbrella and work out what exactly you’re going to include in each of the blogs. Think about where you’ll source high-quality images and whether you wish to include comments at the bottom of each post to trigger discussion amongst users.

The post So, You Want to Become a Blogger? Here’s What You Need to Know! appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Not only do you need to learn your new job tasks at your first job, but you should also know how to keep yourself safe in the workplace. Educate yourself on the five common accidents, so you know what to be aware of as you begin your career.

Knowing what to expect may help to prevent any unwanted incidents going forward. You’ll also be able to quickly determine where your work place might be missing the mark and inform them of ways they can be improving their safety measures. Always remember to put your health and wellbeing ahead of all else so that you can function to the best of your ability each day.

1.   Slips, Trips & Falls

One accident to be aware of at your first job is that of slips, trips and falls. Be cautious when walking around the kitchen or break area and when trying to pass through tight spaces or hallways. Should you suffer an injury at work that falls into this category, then take the proper steps to protect yourself and collect the compensation you deserve by getting in touch with the-compensation-experts.co.uk.

2.   Eye Strain & Headaches

Working and staring at a computer screen for long stretches of time may put you at risk for experiencing eye strain and headaches. It’s important to see your doctor in this case and describe your symptoms to him or her so you can properly treat them. In addition, don’t be afraid to get up and walk around and take breaks from your desk often.

3.   Chemical Burns

If your first job entails you working in a lab or similar setting, then you may be prone to getting chemical burns. It’s extremely important to follow your employer’s rules, policies and procedures so you can better protect yourself. Also, wear the required protective gear that’s given to you and cover up your skin as much as possible, so you can avoid this happening to you.

4.   Falling from Ladders or Roofs

Working in the construction industry is a great career to pursue, but it can also be a very dangerous first job. Be careful on the job and take the proper precautions when climbing ladders or roofs. Falling from high places and getting hurt is one workplace accident that you want to steer clear of at all costs because of the injuries that may come with it. If you’re ever feeling tired or uncomfortable while working then stop what you’re doing and notify someone that you need a break.

5.   Repetitive Strain Injury

Performing the same motion over and over again may seem harmless at the moment but could also carry with it long-term consequences to your health. Another accident to be aware of in your first job is repetitive strain injury that often emerges after an extended period of time. Take note that employee training and knowledge of how to use the workplace equipment properly can help you to avoid these types of injuries.

The post 5 Accidents To Be Aware Of In Your First Job appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

London can be a superb place to visit. However, if you want to make the most of your city break, you will need to thoroughly research and plan your trip in advance, so you will know where to stay, what to see and how to dine. That is why, if you are heading down south for a weekend or more, check out these top five tips for finding the best spots in London.

1. Stay in Central London

Most of the city’s best attractions are located in central London, so you’d be wise to book a hotel in the same location to avoid wasting time. By doing so, you won’t be too far away from the likes of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Parliament, The British Museum, Tower Bridge, and The Tower of London.

2. Don’t Overlook the Markets

Many tourists often make their way to the likes of the London Eye or Westminster Abbey when visiting London, but overlook the beating heart of the city: the incredible markets. If you want to explore different delicious cuisines, try unique cocktails and experience the hustle and bustle of London life, you’d be smart to pay a visit to the likes of:

• Borough Market (The finest produce and imported goods)
• Maltby Street Market (A small food and drink market)
• Broadway Market (Food and craft goods every Saturday)
• Greenwich Market (Clothes, jewellery, unique gifts and second-hand furniture)
• Portobello Road Market (Clothing, household essentials, antiques, and second-hand goods)

3. Find the Best Nightlife Hotspots

London isn’t only world-renowned for an exciting theatre district, exceptional shopping, and historic landmarks, but it is also well-regarded for its atmospheric nightlife. Many students will be happy to hear that they can take their pick from many great British pubs, sleek bars and cool clubs, which will ensure you have an unforgettable time in the city.

For example, you cannot go wrong with The Old George pub on Bethnal Green Road or The Glory, an interesting drag venue, on Kingsland Road. To find out more about the best nightlife hotspots in the city, visit mrhudsonexplores.com.

4. Stay at the Finest Hotels

With hundreds of hotels to choose from in London, you might be unsure about the best place to rest your head for the night. If so, you’ll be happy to know the city offers accommodation to suit every single budget. For example, if money isn’t an object, you cannot go wrong with The Savoy or The Dorchester. However, if you’re on a limited budget, you can take your pick from many value-for-money hotels that are simple, chic and clean, which you can find from Soho to Shoreditch.

5. Free Attractions

As many students are often living on a tight budget, they will be happy to learn there are many free attractions to choose from in The Big Smoke, which can reduce your expenditure.

For example, you could explore:

• The National Gallery
• The British Museum
• Tate Modern
• National History Museum
• Somerset House
• Science Museum

Regardless of your tastes or interests, there is something for everyone in London.

The post 5 Tips for Finding the Best Spots in London appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

How did a church organist from Sheffield amass the largest private collection of Mendelssohn material in Europe?

“Gather them in”: the Musical Treasures of W.T. Freemantle at the University’s Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery, tells the undiscovered story of a passionate collector and the musical masters he admired.

Opening on Friday 1 March and running until the end of July, the exhibition is guest-curated by Dr Bryan White from the School of Music at Leeds University.

It builds on new research and brings to light the untold story of Freemantle’s significant musical collection and reveals the true extent of his achievements.

Dr White said:

“It was a revelation to learn that Freemantle’s love for collecting was spurred by a visit to the market in Sheffield, where he unwittingly bought his first Mendelssohn manuscript. His passion became so strong that he said he would ‘endure martyrdom in Siberia’ if it would get him collectables he most desired.”

The man behind the music

On display are previously unseen musical manuscripts and personal letters of Felix Mendelssohn. Mendelssohn was a German composer of the early romantic period who is popular with music-lovers today.

A child prodigy who produced one of his most famous works, the overture to ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ aged just 17, Mendelssohn is also well-known for his works ‘The Hebrides’ overture and the oratorio ‘Elijah’.

The works on display in the new exhibition include a Sonata hand-written by the 14-year-old Mendelssohn. Without this original manuscript, and Freemantle’s acquisition of it, this piece of music would have been lost forever.

Also on display are private letters from Mendelssohn which provide a glimpse into the private life of a musical genius.

The forgotten Mendelssohn

The exhibition also illuminates the often overlooked and forgotten Mendelssohn, Felix’s sister Fanny. Fanny was an accomplished and prolific composer in her own right, composing more than 460 pieces of music.

A copy of Fanny’s last composition, the song ‘Bergeslust’, also forms part of the exhibition. The piece was written the day before her sudden death in 1847.

A Sheffield legacy

W.T. Freemantle was a humble church organist and teacher from Sheffield. His passion for music and collecting led to him amassing the largest amount of Mendelssohn material outside the composer’s own family.

Talking about the first find of his collection, he said: “my blood had heated, my pulse had quickened […] Oh! That bundle of music! I was now indeed an autograph collector.”

• “Gather them in”: the Musical Treasures of W.T. Freemantle, opens on Friday 1 March at the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery and runs until 31 July, 2019. Entry is free. For more details and opening times, visit library.leeds.ac.uk/galleries

“Gather Them In”

Image and credit information: 

1. Portrait of Felix Mendelssohn. Image credit: Special Collections, University of Leeds
2. Curator Dr Bryan White with a letter written by Mendelssohn. Image credit: Special Collections, University of Leeds
3. A Sonata written by the 14-year-old Mendelssohn. Image credit: Special Collections, University of Leeds
4. Curator Dr Bryan White with a copy of Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’. Image credit: Special Collections, University of Leeds
5. Portrait of Fanny Mendelssohn with husband Wilhelm. Image credit: Special Collections, University of Leeds
6. Curator Dr Bryan White with a Sonata written by the 14-year-old Mendelssohn. Image credit: Special Collections, University of Leeds
7. Portrait of W.T. Freemantle. Image credit: Special Collections, University of Leeds
8. Curator Dr Bryan White with a letter written by Mendelssohn. Image credit: Special Collections, University of Leeds

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