03/17/2025
It's a long, long way to Tipperary." c. 1913. Linen printed handkerchief. 20-1/2" x 26" 52 x 66 cm.
Printed handkerchief with words and music written by Jack Judge and also attributed to Henry Williams, (though Judge later insisted he was the sole author). Vignettes in each of the four corners with lyrics, centre medallion with the Victoria cross and rows of marching soldiers with printed music score above and below. Text beneath the panel of music reads: "By kind permission of B. Feldman & Co., 3 & 4 Arthur St., New Oxford St., London, W.C."
The Story of how the song came to be written is one mired in controversy. Supposedly "It's a long way to Tipperary" was written by Jack Judge, a fishmonger, by day and a quasi-professional music hall entertainer by night. After one evening performing at the Grand Theatre, fuelled on a 5 shilling bet, Judge wagered he could could compose and sing a new song in the space of a day, and so "It's a long way to Tipperary" was conceived. The orchestra conductor of the Grand Theatre helped compose the band parts, and Judge sang it the same night. By the end of the week it had become a runaway success. But in fact both Judge and Williams had already written most of the lyrics and music well before the alleged wager, in 1909 under the title "It's A Long Way to Connemara". Bert Feldman bought the song from Judge and Henry Williams for five shillings (perhaps this is where the confusion came in) , and published it in October the same year,. Due to it's immense popularity Feldman agreed to pay them both £5 a week for the rest of their lives. By the end of 1914, ten thousand copies of the sheet music were being sold every day. However Judge sold his royalties to Harry Williams in 1915. It was only after Williams' death in 1924 that Judge claimed sole authorship to the song. In 2012 the Williams' family had Henry Williams re-credited for a co-author of the song and to this day they still receive royalties.
$135
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