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Papers relating to the song "Waltzing Matilda", circa 1900-1986 [manuscript]
Bib ID 1420754
Format ManuscriptManuscript, OnlineOnline
Author
Macpherson, Christina Rutherford, 1864-1936
 
Online Versions
Access Conditions Available for research. Not for loan. 
Description [ca. 1900-1986] 
0.09 m. (21 pieces) + photographs + 1 folder. 
Summary

MS 9065 comprises the original music and lyrics for Waltzing Matilda, in the handwriting of Christina Macpherson, together with related papers. The collection comprises six main items: Item 1. Undated letter to Dr Thomas Wood, author of Cobbers (1934), from Christina Macpherson, explaining the origins of the song (4 p.). Item 2. Lyrics of Waltzing Matilda, handwritten by Christina Macpherson, unsigned (1 p.). Item 3. Original manuscript of Waltzing Matilda music, with lyrics and signed by Christina Macpherson (2 p., incl. 1 double-size folded page). Item 4. Spiral bound authentication report regarding the Waltzing Matilda manuscripts, produced by the Victoria Police, State Forensic Science Laboratory, 3 October 1986 (12 p.). Item 5. Original photograph of Christina Macpherson, ca. 1900, taken by Vandyck, Collins Street, Melbourne. Item 6. Original photograph of Christina Macpherson with her niece "Joan McC. McC." Joan McCall McCowan, undated.

Also housed with the collection is a plastic bag of photographs taken at an official morning tea in the Manuscript Section, 10 January 1997, to mark the presentation of Waltzing Matilda manuscripts to the National Library (21 pieces, photographs, 1 folder).

Biography/History

In 1895, whilst staying with her brother near Winton, Queensland, Macpherson played a tune she had heard the previous year at the Warrnambool races. Banjo Paterson, who was listening, decided to make up some words to the music. In its various forms Waltzing Matilda has become Australia's best known folksong.

Notes

Manuscript reference no.: MS 9065.

Photocopies available for reference.

Also available in an electronic version via the Internet at: http:/­/­nla.gov.au/­nla.ms-ms9065

Subjects Macpherson, Christina Rutherford, - 1864-1936 - Archives.  |  Macpherson, Christina Rutherford, - 1864-1936 - Portraits.  |  Wood, Thomas, - 1892-1950 - Correspondence.  |  Paterson, A. B. - (Andrew Barton), - 1864-1941. - Waltzing Matilda.  |  Waltzing Matilda (Song)  |  National songs - Australia.
Time Coverage 1900-1986 
Occupation Musicians.
Other authors/contributors McCall McCowan, Joan
Also Titled

Waltzing Matilda (Song)

Exhibited Exhibited: "Treasures Gallery", National Library of Australia, 3 December 2012 - 3 May 2013.  Exhibited: "Treasures Gallery", National Library of Australia, 7 October 2011 - 15 December 2012. 

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Details Collect From
MS 9065 Manual Request Pictures & Manuscripts Reading Room 2nd Floor
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Members of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori communities are advised that this catalogue contains names and images of deceased people. All users of the catalogue should also be aware that certain words, terms or descriptions may be culturally sensitive and may be considered inappropriate today, but may have reflected the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written.