Electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire honoured with building at Coventry University

The life and legacy of electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire has been honoured with a building at Coventry University.

The Delia Derbyshire building, part of the university’s College of Arts and Society faculty, was opened last week, with plans initially announced in 2022. She was awarded a posthumous honorary doctorate by Coventry University back in 2017.

Delia Derbyshire, an early pioneer in electronic music who passed away in 2001, was best known for her work with the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop and her composition of the famous Doctor Who theme tune.

She was born in Coventry on May 5th, 1937, briefly returning to the city in 1960 to work as a primary school teacher following her time at Cambridge and her pre-BBC employment years, which included a job at the United Nations teaching piano to the children of diplomats.

Speaking on the new building, Clive Blackburn, Derbyshire’s partner for 21 years, said: “Delia was born in Coventry and grew up here during the Blitz… The city skyline has changed enormously since Delia was a girl, much of which is due to the development of Coventry University. 

“I really cannot imagine Delia’s reaction if someone had told her that one day there would be such a thriving electronic music facility here and what is more, that it would actually be named after her.”

“Delia Derbyshire proudly called Coventry her home, as do we, and that is why we could not be prouder to name this amazing centre of creativity after her,” Professor John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University added. “Delia made sure her music was heard far and wide and at Coventry University we give students and the city the chance to ensure they have their time in the spotlight.”

Derbyshire was the subject of a documentary drama film titled Delia Derbyshire: The Myths and the Legendary Tapes, which aired on BBC Four in 2021. The film featured original recordings by Derbyshire on the soundtrack, which was created by Cosey Fanni Tutti and released in digital and vinyl formats back in 2022.