Typescript and sound recordings relating to 'Sparkie Williams'
Comprises:
- Photocopy of 'Sparkie Williams, the talking budgerigar', an unpublished typescript of a book by Mattie Williams, i + 171 pages, n.d. [c.1973]
- 3 open reel tapes (7 1/2 ips) of Sparkie talking and rhyming, n.d. [c.1954-c.1962] (= Closed)
Dates
- Creation: n.d. [c.1954-c.1973]
Extent
0.11 Linear metres (2 boxes)
Language of Materials
- English
Conditions Governing Access
Some material is closed.
Preferred Citation
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries, MS. 15500.
Full range of shelfmarks:
MSS. 15500/1-2
Collection ID (for staff)
CMD ID 15500
Abstract
Typescript and sound recordings relating to 'Sparkie Williams'.
Biographical / Historical
'Sparkie Williams' (1954-1962) was a talking budgerigar owned by Mattie Williams who taught him to speak and recite songs and nursery rhymes. He won the BBC International Cage Word Contest in July 1958 and fronted the advertising campaign for Capern's bird seed for two years. When Sparkie died he was stuffed and is now held in the collections of the Great North Museum: Hancock.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Transferred from the Alexander Library of Ornithology, 2018.
Topical
- Title
- Typescript and sound recordings relating to 'Sparkie Williams'
- Status
- Published
- Author
- EAD version by Sarah Thiel and Marion Lowman
- Date
- 2019
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk