Not currently on display at the V&A

Of Course!

Sheet Music
1899 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Sheet music cover for 'Of Course!' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written and composed by J. P. Harrington, J. F. Lambe and George Le Brunn. Published in London by Francis, Day & Hunter and in New York by T. B. Harms & Co., 1899.

Before the use of gramophones and radio became widespread, the music sheet was the mainstay of the music industry. The explosion in popularity of parlour music in the late 19th century, with a piano becoming a fixture in the home, led to the printing of famous songs from the music hall stage. This music sheet is one of many that were issued with the words and music of songs performed by the music hall star Marie Lloyd.

Marie Lloyd (1870-1922) had a career spanning 40 years. She first appeared at the Eagle Tavern in London aged 15 as Bella Delmare, singing ‘My Soldier Laddie’. By 1885 she had become Marie Lloyd with her hit song ‘The Boy I Love is Up in the Gallery’. She was a huge success and topped the bill at the West End music halls. Her songs were full of innuendo and double meaning. ‘She’d never had her ticket punched before’ and ‘Oh Mr Porter what shall I do?’ appeared innocent on first reading but took on a very saucy interpretation when performed by Miss Lloyd.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 4 parts.
(Some alternative part names are also shown below)
  • Sheet Music
  • Prints
  • Sheet Music
  • Prints
  • Scores
  • Sheet Music
  • Prints
  • Scores
  • Sheet Music
  • Prints
  • Scores
TitleOf Course! (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Lithogra fph, printing ink on paper
Brief description
Sheet music cover for 'Of Course!' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written and composed by J. P. Harrington, J. F. Lambe and George Le Brunn. Published in London by Francis, Day & Hunter and in New York by T. B. Harms & Co., 1899
Physical description
Music sheet for 'Of Course!' consisting of an illustrated cover, four pages with score and lyrics, and back cover. The cover is illustrated with a half length portrait of Marie Lloyd and scenes from the song. The back cover gives a list of 'Newest Comic Songs'.
Dimensions
  • Height: 35.8cm
  • Width: 25.6cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
'This Song may be Sung in public without fee or licence, except at Theatres and Music Halls. / OF COURSE! / Written and Composed by / J. P. Harrington, J. F. Lambe, and George Le Brunn. / Sung by / MISS MARIE LLOYD. / London; / Francis, Day & Hunter, 142 Charing Cross Road, (Oxford Street End,) / Publishers of, / Smallwoo'd [sic] Celebrated Pianoforte Tutor. Smallwood's 55 Melodious Exercises, Etc. / New York: T. B. Harms & Co. 18 East 22nd. Street. / Copyright MDCCCXCIX in the United States of America by Francis, Day & Hunter. / H. G. Banks, Lith. / Copyright. / Price 4/= / Telegraphic Address. / Arpeggio London' (Printed on cover)
Credit line
Given by the estate of Ned Sherrin in memory of Caryl Brahms and Ned Sherrin
Subject depicted
Summary
Sheet music cover for 'Of Course!' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written and composed by J. P. Harrington, J. F. Lambe and George Le Brunn. Published in London by Francis, Day & Hunter and in New York by T. B. Harms & Co., 1899.

Before the use of gramophones and radio became widespread, the music sheet was the mainstay of the music industry. The explosion in popularity of parlour music in the late 19th century, with a piano becoming a fixture in the home, led to the printing of famous songs from the music hall stage. This music sheet is one of many that were issued with the words and music of songs performed by the music hall star Marie Lloyd.

Marie Lloyd (1870-1922) had a career spanning 40 years. She first appeared at the Eagle Tavern in London aged 15 as Bella Delmare, singing ‘My Soldier Laddie’. By 1885 she had become Marie Lloyd with her hit song ‘The Boy I Love is Up in the Gallery’. She was a huge success and topped the bill at the West End music halls. Her songs were full of innuendo and double meaning. ‘She’d never had her ticket punched before’ and ‘Oh Mr Porter what shall I do?’ appeared innocent on first reading but took on a very saucy interpretation when performed by Miss Lloyd.
Collection
Accession number
S.92:1 to 4-2012

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdFebruary 21, 2012
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest