A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Anderson, Lucy

by William H. Husk

ANDERSON, Mrs. Lucy, was the daughter of Mr. John Philpot, a professor of music and music-seller at Bath, where she was born in 1789 [App. p.522 "Dec. 1790"]. Miss Philpot early manifested a love for pianoforte playing, and although she never received any other instruction upon the instrument than some lessons given, at very irregular intervals, by her cousin, Mr. Windsor, of Bath, she soon, by perseverance and observation of the eminent players who occasionally appeared at the Bath concerts, arrived at such a degree of skill as to be able to perform in public at those concerts, which she did with great success, and also to follow music as a profession. Ill health, however, induced her to quit Bath and to come to London, where her success was speedily assured, she soon becoming eminent in her profession. In July 1820 Miss Philpot was married to Mr. George Frederick Anderson, a violinist engaged in all the best orchestras, and subsequently, for many years [App. p.522 "from 1848 to 1870", master of the Queen's private band. Mrs. Anderson was distinguished as being the first female pianist who played at the Philharmonic Society's concerts. She taught the Piano to Princess, now Queen, Victoria and her children. She died Dec. 24, 1878.

[ W. H. H. ]