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Fanny Waterman

Fanny Waterman CBE, Leeds

Born in 1925, Fanny Waterman is a pianist with a worldwide reputation who has taught many internationally known performers. In 1961 she founded the Leeds International Piano Competition with Marion Harewood (an Austrian pianist and the then Countess of Harewood). Last year the competition attracted 232 entries from 48 countries and it is regarded as one of the country's premier music events.

As a young woman Dr Waterman began giving public performances in Leeds and went on to win a scholarship to the Royal College of Music. Returning to Leeds in 1943 she taught piano at her old school, Chapel Allerton High (now Allerton High). She also continued to give recitals around the country and has written many teaching books on how to play the piano. In 2000 Dr Waterman was awarded a CBE and in April this year was made an Honorary Freeman of her native city of Leeds. At 83 she still enjoys piano playing and travel.

Although it has not been possible to research and digitise archival material relating to this woman for inclusion on the website, it is important that the work of this woman is noted. For this reason, we have included a brief biography about her in order stimulate further reasearch into her life and how she has contributed or continues to contribute to the historical record. We hope that you may be inspired by this website to find out more about any of the women on the site, or to write about other women that you have known or know, and so add yourself to the ever-growing body of knowledge about women in history.