The volume used as an autograph album was published by E. Fauer as 'Musicians and Composers Birthday Book' (London: Forsyth Brothers, 1882). It is not certain who was its original owner. The cover bears the words, in gold tooling, 'C. Mayo Leman, Nottingham'; the 'C' is partially obliterated, apparently deliberately. An autograph of Thomas Leman appears in the blank section for 9th January in the volume. Thomas Leman was the father of Herbert Mayo Leman, and the cover inscription has led to the assumption that the volume was largely compiled by Herbert Mayo Leman, or came into his possession.
Herbert Mayo Leman was born in Nottingham in 1870, the son of Thomas Leman. He was educated at the University School, Nottingham, the Taylor's School, London and Magdalene College, Cambridge (MA, LLM.) He made his career as a solicitor, and in 1904 was Deputy Steward of the Manor of Newark Upon Trent. He had keen historical interests and was a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He remained a resident of Nottingham until at least 1950 and his business continued in the town until 1980.
From the guide to the Collection of autographs of musicians and composers, made by Herbert Mayo Leman (1870-fl 1950), solicitor of Nottingham, 1882-1915, 1882-1915, (The University of Nottingham)
