Catalogue Number
NMLH.2022.253
Object Name
Certificate
Title
The University of Salford
Place
Salford
People
Ewan MacColl, Young Communist League, University of Salford
Date
1991
Description
A red leather folder with the University of Salford emblem on the front in gold. The inner page of the book reads 'Ewan MacColl in recognition of his outstanding achievements the Council and the Senate of the University have resolved to confer upon him the degree of Master of Arts honoris causa' Benath the text is a University of Salford red stamp. The outer page reads "The University of Salford, The degree of Master of Arts honoris causa was conferred posthumously upon Ewan MacColl at a congregation held at the University on Monday 19 February 1990'. The degree is signed by the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and Registrar. The back cover of the book is blank.
This honorary degree was awarded posthomously to Ewan MacColl by Salford University in February 1990. The award was given 'in recognition of outstanding achievements' and is a Master of Arts degree.
Ewan MacColl (birth name James Henry Miller) was a folk singer, writer, labour activist and actor. he is known as one of the instigators of the 1960s folk revival as well as for writing such songs as "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."
MacColl collected hundreds of traditional folk songs. He also wrote many left-wing political songs, remaining a communist throughout his life and engaging in left-wing political activism. He joined the Young Communist League and a socialist amateur theatre troupe, the Clarion Players. He began his career as a writer. He was an activist in the unemployed workers' campaigns and the mass trespasses of the early 1930s. One of his best-known songs, "The Manchester Rambler", was written just before the pivotal mass trespass of Kinder Scout. He was responsible for publicity in the planning of the trespass.
