The City of London Phonograph and Gramophone Society (CLPGS) is the oldest society of its kind devoted to recorded sound and early talking machines, founded in 1919 with Thomas Edison as Patron. The Society supports and encourages scholarship and publication by individuals in the fields of sound recordings, early talking machines, and audio preservation. The CLPGS Richard Taylor Bursary exists to fund eligible projects in these areas, including discography, bibliography, historical studies of the sound recording industry and its products, company and record-label research, the history of talking machines, technological developments, and any other subject likely to increase the public's understanding and appreciation of the lasting importance of recorded sound.
Bursary grants are primarily (but not exclusively) intended to encourage applications from individuals whose research forms part of a master’s or doctoral academic programme. They may also support independent research and publishing projects. Both CLPGS members and non-members are eligible to apply for Bursary grants of at least £500. Grant funds may be used to cover clerical, travel, and editorial expenses. Funds may not be used to purchase capital equipment or recordings, create recordings (including field recordings), perform operations on sound recordings, reimburse applicants for work already performed, or support projects forming part of paid employment. Grant recipients may submit documentation to reclaim reasonable additional expenses, which must be claimed within eighteen months of the award.
Grant recipients are required to provide regular status updates to CLPGS and are encouraged to submit their results for publication in the CLPGS Journal For the Record. Recipients may also be invited to present their project outcomes at a CLPGS London meeting.
Application Requirements:
- Project summary – One page maximum, with sample work attached if possible.
- Budget outline – One page maximum, highlighting costs to be covered by the Bursary, any committed funds, and any pending funding requests (include source, amount, and purpose).
- Curriculum Vitae – One page maximum.
- Prospects for dissemination – Indicate potential publication or other public presentation(s) of project results.
All applications should be emailed to Dr. Inja Stanović at: i.stanovic@surrey.ac.uk
Closing date for applications: 31st March 2026