Philip J. S. Richardson

Richardson, Philip J. S. (b Winthorpe, 17 Mar. 1875, d London, 17 Feb. 1963). British writer and editor. He transformed Dancing Times into a substantial dance magazine when he became its editor in 1910, remaining editor and critic until 1957, campaigning vigorously in the magazine's early years for the establishment of a national ballet. In 1920 he was cofounder of the Royal Academy of Dancing (initially called the Association of Operatic Dancing in Great Britain), and in 1930 founded the Camargo Society with Haskell. He also established the Official Board of Ballroom Dancing and the International Council of Ballroom Dancing as well as organizing many charity dance performances including the Sunshine Matinées. His written works include A History of English Ballroom Dancing (1948) and Social Dances of the 19th Century (1960), and he also built up an extensive collection of rare dance books.