Musical instrument, concertina

This concertina belonged to Albert Chevalier, a stage actor who made his name as a performer on the London music hall scene. Originally from Notting Hill, Chevalier is best known for his coster songs, which used the slang and humour of cockney street vendors. In doing so, he drew on a rich tradition of stage cockneys in music halls.

Chevalier gave his first performance on the 5 February 1891 at the London Pavilion in Piccadilly Circus. In the 1890s he was able to exploit the commercial potential of the new music halls and successfully toured Britain, the USA and Canada. He adapted his most famous song, 'My Old Dutch', into a play in which he performed on the London stage for the last time in 1922.