Photo: Supplied / Clare Gleeson
Dr Clare Gleeson is a social historian and writer. Earlier this year she became the recipient of the 2025 ‘Garden History Award’ from the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.
As well as matters horticultural, Gleeson’s research interests include the history of music-making in New Zealand. It’s an area to which she has close connections; her great-great-grandfather Charles Begg was the founder of Begg’s music stores, an important part of New Zealand’s musical life for over a century.
Her 2012 book Meet me at Begg’s: the story of Charles Begg & Co, music and appliance manufacturers and retailers, 1861-1970 looks at the history of the firm from its beginnings in Dunedin to its demise in 1970.
Dr Gleeson talks with RNZ Concert host David Morriss.
Dr Clare Gleeson Photo: Supplied
Begg's Nelson store, 1917. Photo: Supplied / Clare Gleeson
