Alfred Mellon (1820-1867)
An unusual monument to a renowned conductor and composer.
Memorial
Alfred Mellon was so well-known and respected that, when he died in 1867, thousands attended his funeral at Brompton Cemetery.
Albert’s tall and very distinctive monument, topped with columns and a lyre, was paid for by a fund set up in his memory.
Credit: Greywolf
Brompton Cemetery
Portrait of Alfred Melllon
Alfred began his career as a violinist, then went on to become leader of the Covent Garden Ballet Orchestra, a musical director at various theatres and finally conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
He also wrote a popular opera, Victorine.
Credit: © National Portrait Gallery, London
Credit: © National Portrait Gallery, London
Sarah WoolgarAlfred’s wife Sarah was one of the leading actresses of her day.
Beside Alfred’s ornate and eye-catching monument is a simple horizontal ‘ledger’ stone. This marks the grave of his wife, the famous stage actress Sarah Jane Woolgar (1824-1909).