Artwork
O dear! what will become of me?
O dear! what will become of me? is a print by J. Evans. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This artifact is a printed sheet containing the words of a popular song titled “O dear!
About this work
Overview
This artifact is a printed sheet containing the words of a popular song titled “O dear! what will become of me?”. Produced in the latter part of the eighteenth century, it represents a typical example of sheet‑music publishing of the period, offering a tangible glimpse into the domestic musical culture of the time.
Subject & Meaning
The text sets the lyrical content of a sentimental ballad, presumably expressing personal anxiety or romantic longing, as suggested by its plaintive title. The song was performed publicly by a vocalist known as Mr. Middleton, indicating that the piece enjoyed enough circulation to merit a dedicated printed version for audiences.
Technique & Style
Printed using the conventional letterpress methods of the era, the sheet features black type on paper, with no accompanying illustration. The layout follows the straightforward, utilitarian design common to commercial song sheets, prioritising legibility of the verses and any accompanying musical notation.
History & Provenance
The print was issued by the printer J. Evans, an active publisher in the late 1700s. While the exact location of Evans’s workshop is not recorded here, such printers typically operated in urban centres of England, supplying music to both professional performers and amateur singers.
Context
During the eighteenth century, the market for printed song lyrics expanded rapidly as middle‑class households embraced music-making at home. Sheet music like this served both as entertainment and as a means of disseminating popular tunes beyond the theatre, reflecting broader trends in print culture and leisure.
Legacy
Although the sheet itself is a modest document, it contributes to the broader understanding of period popular music and the commercial networks that supported it. Objects of this type help scholars trace the diffusion of specific songs and the identities of performers such as Mr. Middleton within the musical life of the era.
Artist & collection
Artist
These late-18th-century prints capture everyday British life with crisp lines and sharp satire.
