The Tin- pot Band thumbnail 1
Not on display

The Tin- pot Band

Sheet Music
ca. 19th century (printed and published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Today we often see street entertainers. Sometimes people are singing, playing an instrument or doing something else like performing magic or a mime. Street entertainers have been common since the earliest times, they were known during the Roman Empire. This music sheet cover depicts a one man band busking on the London streets in Victorian times. His novelty act involves the playing of saucepan lids that he has strapped to his hands and body. As he danced he would clap them together like cymbals to make a tune. It was common for the strangest things to be used as musical instruments, such as bones and spoons. This song was popularised by Stockport born comedian and actor Harry Liston.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Tin- pot Band (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Lithograph
Brief description
Music sheet cover for 'The Tin-pot Band', composed by Vincent Davies and Walter Burnott, sung by Harry Liston, published by Charles Sheard, ca. 19th century.
Physical description
Cover of the sheet music for 'The Tin- Pot Band'. In the centre, there is an image of a man playing saucepan lids which are strapped to his hands and body on the London streets in Victorian times. Credits of the song are printed above and below the image.
Dimensions
  • Height: 36cm (approx)
  • Width: 24.7cm (approx)
Marks and inscriptions
/'ALSO PRINTED WITH THIS SONG THE LEADERS WIFE IN THE TIN-POT BAND SUNG BY LOUIE SHERRINGTON/ /THE TIN-POT BAND/ /SUNG WITH IMMENSE APPLAUSE/ ENT STA HALL/ /HARRY LISTON/ PRICE 3/ /WITH A VERSION FOR LADIES/ /BANG! BANG! AINT ! MIGHTY GRAND /I'M THE TIP TOP MAN IN THE TIN-POT BAND/ /WRITTEN BY/ WALTER BURNOTT/ /MUSIC BY/ VINCENT DAVIES/ /LONDON, C SHEARD 192 HIGH HOLBORN/ (Text on front of cover.)
Credit line
Gabrielle Enthoven Collection
Place depicted
Associations
Literary referenceThe Tin-Pot Band by Vincent Davies and Walter Burnott
Summary
Today we often see street entertainers. Sometimes people are singing, playing an instrument or doing something else like performing magic or a mime. Street entertainers have been common since the earliest times, they were known during the Roman Empire. This music sheet cover depicts a one man band busking on the London streets in Victorian times. His novelty act involves the playing of saucepan lids that he has strapped to his hands and body. As he danced he would clap them together like cymbals to make a tune. It was common for the strangest things to be used as musical instruments, such as bones and spoons. This song was popularised by Stockport born comedian and actor Harry Liston.
Other number
234 - PeoplePlay UK number
Collection
Accession number
S.451-2012

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Record createdMay 3, 2012
Record URL
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