Manly by the Sea
Composer
Nicholas Robins
Printer
Manly Daily Printery
Lyricist
Herbert C Bailey
Illustrator
Vera E Campbell
Date1923
Object number00016999
NameSheet music
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 315 mm, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
Collections
DescriptionThe cover of 'Manly by the Sea' features a sentimental illustration of Manly's beach and promenade, with St Patrick's College and the well known pine trees. This prize winning song was very successful in Australia, with the Manly Daily Printery issuing 30,000 copies. On the booklet's inside cover and back pages are portraits of the musical composer and lyricist. It was sung by Charles Larsen at the competition event.HistorySheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of their production. They were widely distributed and sold cheaply, making them an easily accessible form of entertainment. Music was an integral part of people's social life in the home and at public events such as balls, recitals, taverns, concerts and theatres. By the mid-19th century many middle class families owned a piano and played popular songs including waltzes, quadrilles, galops, polkas and mazurkas.
By the early 19th century Manly was beginning to be a prominent seaside destination for Syneysiders and tourists, modelled on popular British resorts such as Brighton. Sea air, bathing and beach recreation were associated with health and well being, and people were increasingly encouraged to spend time outdoors at the beach. The rise of surf lifesaving also contributed to Australian beach culture, with Manly holding its first surf carnival in 1912 and attracting a crowd of 20,000 people. By the 1920s the popularity of outdoor leisure activities and the decrease in laws forbidding daylight bathing increased Australian society's interaction with the beach.Significance'Manly by the Sea' demonstrates how Australian beach culture was romanticised in the early 20th century. Manly was an attractive seaside destination, a social place where people could bathe, walk, and attend dances and theatre shows. This booklet reflects the increasing presence of Australian places, culture and events in 20th century sheet music.
