Not currently on display at the V&A

I'll show You Where The Elephant is Hiding

Sheet Music
1893 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Sheet music for 'I'll Show You Where The Elephant is Hiding' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by Richard Morton and composed by Henry J. Sayers. Published in London by Charles Sheard Co. and in New York by Willis, Woodward & Co., 1893.

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
TitleI'll show You Where The Elephant is Hiding (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Lithograph, printing ink on paper
Brief description
Sheet music for 'I'll Show You Where The Elephant is Hiding' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by Richard Morton and composed by Henry J. Sayers. Published in London by Charles Sheard Co. and in New York by Willis, Woodward & Co., 1893
Physical description
Music sheet for 'I'll Show You Where The Elephant is Hiding' 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 standing beneath a palm leaf, and scenes from the song. The back cover gives a list of the publishers' 'Very Latest and Popular Comic & Other Songs for Smoking Concerts'.
Dimensions
  • Height: 35.8cm
  • Width: 25.6cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
'This Song may be Sung Anywhere without Permission Except at Music Halls. / I'LL SHOW YOU WHERE / THE ELEPHANT IS / HIDING. / Written by / Richard Morton / Composed by / Henry J. / Sayers / Composer of "Ta-Ra-Ra / Boom-De-Ay') / Sung with the Greatest / Success by / MISS MARIE LLOYD. / Copyright / for all countries / London. Charles Sheard & Co. Music Publishers & Printers, 192, High Holborn. W.C. / New York. U.S.A. Willis, Woodward & Co. 842 & 844, Broadway. / Copyright 1893 by Willis, Woodward & Co. / Stannard & Co. / 'Price 2/net' (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 'I'll Show You Where The Elephant is Hiding' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by Richard Morton and composed by Henry J. Sayers. Published in London by Charles Sheard Co. and in New York by Willis, Woodward & Co., 1893.

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.102:1 to 4-2012

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Record createdFebruary 8, 2012
Record URL
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