The NEC Seal and the Lyre: Two Icons
The NEC seal is a circular “stamp” featuring the words “New England Conservatory of Music” in antiquated typeface, set in a circle with a lyre and other decorative elements. The artwork for this seal dates back to the middle of the last century, and a close study of older NEC materials will reveal slightly different drawings of the same motif going back to the school’s earliest days.
Over the centuries, the lyre has come to symbolize music in general, and has been used all over the world by a great number of musical as well as non-musical concerns as part of their graphic motifs. Some examples include Schirmer music publishers, Steinway pianos, Empire furniture. Similarly, a wide range of lyre drawings have appeared as decorative motifs on NEC publications, clothing, and architecture over the years. While we do not discourage this decorative use, the ubiquitous lyre by itself is not sufficient to distinguish NEC from other musical enterprises.
When to Use the Seal
Because of its resemblance to a notary’s seal, the NEC seal connotes formality and officialdom. Nowadays it is reserved for use around ceremonial occasions where the traditions and heritage of the college are on display: commencement invitations, official correspondence, degree certificates, etc.
For these reasons, use of the NEC seal is carefully controlled. If you believe you have occasion for an appropriate use of this graphic element, please contact Andrew Hurlbut, NEC’s Creative Services Project Manager, for assistance and for access to the graphic files:
telephone: 617-585-1146
e-mail: andrew.hurlbut@newenglandconservatory.edu
Andrew Hurlbut can also provide you with graphic files for several drawings of a lyre that have been used by NEC in recent years.