Artwork
The Sailor's Journal, A New Song
The Sailor's Journal, A New Song is a print by J. Evans. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Sold in London around the late 1700s, it’s a single page meant for sailors and taverns alike.
This print is J. Evans’ sheet music for *The Sailor’s Journal, A New Song*. Sold in London around the late 1700s, it’s a single page meant for sailors and taverns alike. The text is just lyrics—no notes or instruments—so singers had to know the tune by heart.
It shows how music spread fast in the 18th century. Cheap prints like this one made new songs popular overnight.
Next time you need a tune, look up the sheet music at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This print is an example of 18th-century sheet music, specifically the lyrics to 'The Sailor's Journal, A New Song', sold in London by J. Evans.
Subject & Meaning
The print contains the text of a song likely to be familiar to sailors and those in taverns, indicating its intended audience and use.
Technique & Style
The print features only the song's lyrics, without musical notation, suggesting that the melody was already well-known to potential singers.
Context
The widespread availability of such cheap prints facilitated the rapid dissemination of new songs during the 18th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
These late-18th-century prints capture everyday British life with crisp lines and sharp satire.
