Not currently on display at the V&A

Talk About a Big Responsibility

Sheet Music
1894 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Sheet music for 'Talk About a Big Responsibility' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by Murray and Leigh and composed by George Le Brunn. Published in London by Francis, Day & Hunter and in New York by T. B. Harms & Co., 1898.

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
TitleTalk About a Big Responsibility (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Lithograph, printing ink on paper
Brief description
Sheet music for 'Talk About a Big Responsibility' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by Murray and Leigh and composed by George Le Brunn. Published in London by Francis, Day & Hunter and in New York by T. B. Harms & Co., 1898
Physical description
Music sheet for 'Talk About a Big Responsibility' consisting of illustrated cover, four pages with score and lyrics, and back cover, the front cover decorated with illustrations of scenes from the song with the chorus, and a head and shoulders portrait of Marie Lloyd. The back cover printed with a list of 'Newest Comic Songs'.
Dimensions
  • Height: 34cm
  • Width: 25.2cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
'This Song may be Sung in Public without fee or Licence, except at Theatres and Music Halls. / TALK ABOUT A BIG RESPONSIBILITY / Written by / Murray and Leigh / Composed by / George Le Brunn / Sung by / MISS MARIE LLOYD. / Copyright. / Price 4/= / London; / Francis, Day & Hunter, 142 Charing Cross Road, (Oxford Street End,) / Publishers of. Smallwood's Celebrated Pianoforte Tutor, Smallwood's 55 Melodious Exercises, Etc. / New York: T. B. Harms & Co. 18 East 22nd Street. / Copyright MDCCCXCVIII in the United States of America, by Francis, Day & Hunter / H. G. Banks, Lith.' (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 for 'Talk About a Big Responsibility' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by Murray and Leigh and composed by George Le Brunn. Published in London by Francis, Day & Hunter and in New York by T. B. Harms & Co., 1898.

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.70:1 to 4-2012

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Record createdApril 12, 2012
Record URL
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