Guide to the Papers relating to the song 'Waltzing Matilda', c.1900-1986

Summary

Collection number:

MS 9065

Creator:

Macpherson, Christina Rutherford

Extent:

(1 phase box)

Language:

English and English

Preferred citation:

Items from this collection should be cited as: [Title of manuscript item], Papers relating to the song 'Waltzing Matilda', National Library of Australia, MS 9065, [item number].

Availability:

Available

Access conditions:

Available for research. Not for loan.

Background

Content 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.

Biographical Note:

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.

Conditions Governing Access:

This collection is available for research.

Conditions Governing Use:

Copying and publication of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions. For such material, written permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.

Preferred citation:

Items from this collection should be cited as: [Title of manuscript item], Papers relating to the song 'Waltzing Matilda', National Library of Australia, MS 9065, [item number].

Location of this collection:

National Library of Australia

Parkes Place

Canberra ACT 2600, Australia

Contact:

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