Not currently on display at the V&A

The Girl in the Khaki Dress

Print
1900 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Sheet music cover for 'The Girl in the Khaki Dress' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by J. P. Harrington and composed by George Le Brunn. Published in London by Francis, Day & Hunter and in New York by T. B. Harms & Co, 1900.

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
TitleThe Girl in the Khaki Dress (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Lithograph, printing ink on paper
Brief description
Sheet music cover for 'The Girl in the Khaki Dress' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by J. P. Harrington and composed by George Le Brunn. Published in London by Francis, Day & Hunter and in New York by T. B. Harms & Co, 1900
Physical description
Music sheet cover for 'The Girl in the Khaki Dress' illustrated with a full length image of Marie Lloyd in a khaki outfit.
Dimensions
  • Height: 35.8cm
  • Width: 25.6cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
'The Theatrical and Music Hall singing rights of this song are reserved. For Pantomime / permission apply to Francis, Day & Hunter. / THE GIRL / IN THE / KHAKI / DRESS. / Written by / J. P. Harrington, / Composed by / Geo. Le Brunn, / Sung by / MISS MARIE / LLOYD. / Copyright. / 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 MDCCCC. in the United States of America, by Francis, Day & Hunter. / H. G. Banks, Lith. / 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 'The Girl in the Khaki Dress' as sung by Marie Lloyd, written by J. P. Harrington and composed by George Le Brunn. Published in London by Francis, Day & Hunter and in New York by T. B. Harms & Co, 1900.

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.
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
S.382-2012

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Record createdMay 10, 2012
Record URL
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