Not on display

What Did She Know About Railways?

Sheet Music
late 19th century (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Sheet music for 'What Did She Know About Railways?' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by C. G. Cotes and composed by Bennett Scott. Published in London by Charles Sheard & Co and in Boston, USA, by the White-Smith Music Publishing Co., late 19th century.

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
TitleWhat Did She Know About Railways? (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Lithograph, printing ink on paper
Brief description
Sheet music for 'What Did She Know About Railways?' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by C. G. Cotes and composed by Bennett Scott. Published in London by Charles Sheard & Co and in Boston, USA, by the White-Smith Music Publishing Co., late 19th century
Physical description
Music sheet for 'What Did She Know About Railways?' consisting of an illustrated cover, four pages with score and lyrics, and back cover. The cover is illustrated with a full-length portrait of Marie Lloyd and scenes from the song. The back cover gives a list of the publlisher's 'very latest and popular comic & other 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 Music Halls. / WHAT DID SHE KNOW ABOUT RAILWAYS? / Written by / C. G. Cotes, / Composed by / Bennett / Scott, / Sung by / MISS MARIE / LLOYD. / London; / Charles Sheard & Co Music Publishers and Printers, 192 High Holborn, W.C. / The very latest issue of Hemy's Pianoforte Tutor, is the Seymour Smith Edition. / Buy no other / Copyright for all Countries. / Price 4/= / Boston; Mass: U.S.A. The White-Smith Music Publishing Coy. 62 & 64 Stanhope Street. / 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 'What Did She Know About Railways?' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by C. G. Cotes and composed by Bennett Scott. Published in London by Charles Sheard & Co and in Boston, USA, by the White-Smith Music Publishing Co., late 19th century.

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.94:1 to 4-2012

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Record createdFebruary 17, 2012
Record URL
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