Australharmony - Grocott brothers

THIS PAGE FIRST POSTED 4 AUGUST 2020

LAST MODIFIED Sunday 11 February 2024 15:24

Grocott brothers (James and Alonzo Grocott)

Dr GRAEME SKINNER (University of Sydney)

THIS PAGE IS ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

To cite this:

Graeme Skinner (University of Sydney), "Grocott brothers (James and Alonzo Grocott)", Australharmony (an online resource toward the early history of music in colonial Australia): https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/grocott-brothers.php; accessed 25 April 2024

GROCOTT, Alonzo (Alonzo GROCOTT; Mr. A. GROCOTT)

Music lithographer, printer, engraver, newspaper proprietor

Born Manchester, England, August 1819; baptised St. Michael, Flixton, Manchester, 24 June 1821; son of James Turner GROCOTT (1791-1832) and Mary DORRINGTON (1791-1848)
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 28 March 1841 (immigrant per Margaret, from Liverpool, 25 October 1840, via the Cape of Good Hope, 29 January 1841)
Married (1) Frances Ann JOHNSTONE (c. 1826-1852), Christ Church, Sydney, NSW, 27 December 1845
Married (2) Jane DAVIES, Christ Church, Sydney, NSW, 22 August 1853
Died Parramatta Asylum, NSW, 14 August 1893 [NSW/BDM 1893/11945]

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Alonzo+Grocott+1819-1893 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/grocott-brothers.php#GROCOTT-Alonzo (shareable link to this entry)

Summary

James Turner Grocott (senior), a merchant, married Ann Derrington, at St. John's, Manchester, on 8 December 1814.

Alonzo Grocott's music printing and publishing activities appear to have been largely confined to the years 1859 to 1862, and then not without controversy. In July 1860, while he was apparently printing George Peck's Australian musical bouquet, Peck as sole proprietor and publisher advertised to:

caution ALONZO GROCOTT, printer, and others, not to SELL or DISPOSE of any Copies of No. 3 . . . without my AUTHORITY, as by so doing, after this notice, they will expose themselves to legal proceedings.

Immediately below Peck's notices, Grocott's own advertisement indeed signalled that one issue of the Australian musical bouquet could be had from his premises and those of Jacob Clarke. A few days later, the Empire reviewed the issue:

A great improvement has been effected in No. 3, of the Australian Musical Bouquet, just issued from Mr. Peck's Music Repository, by an enlargement of the size of the work, giving scope for a better engraving of the notes . . . A cheap shilling's worth! The music is neatly engraved and printed by the transfer process by Mr. Grocott. There are, however, occasional errors which might be corrected; and a better quality of paper would greatly increase the utility of this meritorious little publication.

Grocott was still advertising his own series of an Australian musical bouquet in May 1861, however, by July, he had evidently disposed of his interest in the publication and remaining stock to James Fussell.

Among other items, he printed Charles Harwood's song Thinkest thou of me in 1859; he "printed and published" Ernesto Spagnoletti's junior's Our Australian Christmas song in November 1862; and much later he printed an edition The native rose waltz by Emilie North.

As with his brother James, the extent of Grocott's musical skill, knowledge and interest - if any - is open to question.

He was one of a group of Orange men arrested for making an illegal procession in July 1868.

Documentation

Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of Flixton, in the County of Lancaster, in the year 1821; Manchester Archives

https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/2960/images/40365_294373-00456 (PAYWALL)

No. 666 / June 24th [1821] / James Turner son of / James & Mary / Grocott / Manchester / Wine Merchant . . .
No. 667 / June 24th [1821] / Alonzo son of / James & Mary / Grocott / Manchester / Wine Merchant . . .

Unmarried male immigrants per Margaret, March 1841; State Records Authority of NSW

https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1204/images/IMAUS1787_081265-0134 (PAYWALL)

James Turner Grocott / Unmarried male immigrant / Arrived by the ship Margaret / Brought out by A. B. Smith & Co. / Native of Manchester / Son of James Turner Grocott, a Timber merchant dead & Marry Dorrington his wife there / Calling Copper plate printer / Age 20 years in March 1841 . . .

https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1204/images/IMAUS1787_081265-0135 (PAYWALL)

Alonso Grocott / Unmarried male immigrant / Arrived by the ship Margaret / Brought out by A. B. Smith & Co. / Native of Manchester Lancashire / Son of James Turner Grocott, a Timber merchant dead & Marry Dorrington his wife there / Calling Letter press & Copper plate printer / Age 21 in August 1840 [sic, if so born August 1819] . . .

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (6 March 1844), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12424180

. . . A. GROCOTT, Engraver and Printer, 449, George-stieet.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (25 March 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12878262

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. THE Undersigned beg to inform the public that they have this day reduced their prices for ENGRAVING AND PRINTING 25 PER CENT. Ladies and gentlemen's Address Cards printed and delivered in two hours. J. T. AND A. GROCOTT, Engravers, Printers, and Stationers.

"MARRIED", The Sydney Morning Herald (30 December 1845), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12884392

On Saturday last, the 27th instant, at Christ Church, by the Rev. R. K. Skonce, Alonso, second son of James T. Grocott, Esq., of Dale Street, Manchester, England, to Frances Ann, youngest daughter of Mr. John Johnstone, County of Fermanah, Ireland.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (31 January 1846), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12885025

J. T. AND A. GROCOTT, Stationers, Printers, &c. 476, George-street.

[Notice], New South Wales Government Gazette (20 March 1846), 376

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230140985

NOITCE is hereby given, that the Partnership business lately subsisting between the under signed, and carried on in George-street, in this City, under the style or firm of "J. T. and A. Groeott," stationers and printers, was, on the twenty-eighth day of February last past, and now is dissolved, by mutual consent . . .

"POLICE COURT . . . DIGGINGS", Empire (24 June 1851), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60035882

Mr. Alonzo Grocott, who being at the diggings, of course did not appear, was charged by his apprentice William Robinson, with neglecting to teach him the art of copper-plate engraving, letter-press printing, and the business of a stationer. The complainant stated that Mr. Grocott went to the diggings on Tuesday week last, and had left nobody to instruct him in the business. He admitted that Mr. Grocott had left him a couple of days' work in copper-plate engraving, which he did; but since that he had been employed in cleaning boots and shoes, and cutting wood, no work having come in. It came out in the cross-examination that a Mr. Howe had been appointed to superintend the business, but he only remained two days, when he followed the example of Alonzo, and went to the diggings. It was admitted too that a Mr. Bedford,who lately returned from the diggings, was also employed by Mrs. Grocott to conduct the business; but it was proved that the boy was unemployed during a great part of the time since Tuesday week last. The case was ultimately dismissed . . .

"APPRENTICE CASE", Empire (2 September 1851), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60123112

William Robinson, an apprentice, aged 15, appeared as complainant against Mr. Alonzo Grocott, printer, of Castlereagh-street, whom he charged with neglecting to instruct him in his trade or calling. About ten weeks ago, a similar complaint was preferred against the defendant, but as it was then proved that some properly qualified person was left to instruct the complainant during the absence of his master, the case was dismissed. In the present case it appeared that the complainant was entirely without instruction, Mr. Grocott having gone to the gold mines about three months since, whence he has not returned; and no person being left to instruct the complainant. Under these circumstances, and at the request of the complainant's father, the Bench ordered the indentures to be cancelled.

"POLICE REGISTER . . . ALONZO THE BRAVE AND THE FAIR IMAGE-IN", Bell's Life in Sydney (6 September 1851), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59773101

Everybody knows that deliciously horrifying ballad of Monk Lewis, in which the infidelity of Alonzo the brave, and the fidelity of the fair Imogen are so graphically depicted. The same scene was enacted with Alonzo Grocott, the celebrated printer, and William Robinson, his illustrious apprentice . . .

"THE TURON DIGGINGS (From our own Correspondent) Tuesday Morning, October 7", Empire (13 October 1851), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60124307

RAIN has set in to all intents and purposes. Since Sunday evening, we have had scarcely any interruption to the nebular sprinkling . . . Mr. Alonzo Grocott amuses himself by watching his hole at the Wallaby, till the water subsides. He thinks he has hit upon a fortune; but his patience will, I fear, be as severely taxed as his expectancy blighted. However, 'tis a pleasant and a harmless pastime that same aerial castle-building - a pleasing hope is better than a moody melancholy . . .

"DIED", The Sydney Morning Herald (15 November 1852), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12941562

On the 11th instant, at Wynyard Terrace, Frances Anne Grocott, the beloved wife of Alonzo Grocott, in her 26th year, much lamented by all her friends.

"MARRIED", The Sydney Morning Herald (25 August 1853), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12948340

On the 22nd instant, at Christ Church, by the Rev. John Davis Merewether, Alonzo Grocott, to Jane, relict of the late John Davies, of Sydney.

The Australian musical bouquet and other music publications (1860-64):

[4 advertisements], The Sydney Morning Herald (4 July 1860), 10

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13042650

MUSICAL - Mr. G. PECK begs to acquaint his friends and the subscribers to his AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET, that in consequence of certain untoward circumstances, the publication of the third number will be delayed for a few days. G. P. asks their kind indulgence, and hopes they will not encourage an ungentlemanly attempt which has been made to take the property out of his hands. 13, Park-street.

CAUTION. - I hereby caution ALONZO GROCOTT, printer,
and others, not to SELL or DISPOSE of any Copies of No. 3, AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET, without my AUTHORITY, as by so doing, after this notice, they will expose themselves to legal proceedings. GEORGE PECK, sole Proprietor, Editor, and Publisher of the " Australian Musical Bouquet."

NOTICE.- PECK'S AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET,
No. 3, the only genuiue copy, will be ready in a few days.

NOW READY, - The AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET.
CONTENTS: Ah! was it He, from the opera of La Traviata, with pianoforte accompaniment
Darling Nelly Gray
Simon the Cellarer
Bonnie Bessie Lee
Hearts and Homes.
To be had at ALONZO GROCOTT'S, engraver and printer, 66, Bathurst-street;
also at Mr. CLARKE'S, bookseller, George-street.

[News], Empire (10 July 1860), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60413034

A great improvement has been effected in No. 3, of the Australian Musical Bouquet, just issued from Mr. Peck's Music Repository, by an enlargement of the size of the work, giving scope for a better engraving of the notes, and by the pianoforte accompaniment to one of the pieces - the andante movement of the aria, "Ah, fors e lui " (Ah, was it he), from "La Traviata," as sung by the Signore Piccolomini and Bianchi. Besides this, there are the melodies and words of four popular songs, "Simon the Cellarer," "Bonnie Bessie," "Hearts and Homes," and " Darling Nelly Gray," the latest Chistie Minstrel melody. A cheap shilling's worth! The music is neatly engraved and printed for the transfer process by Mr. Grocott. There are, however, occasional errors which might be corrected; and a better quality of paper would greatly increase the utility of this meritorious little publication.

[Advertisement in the printed program for the] Annual Exhibition of Poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits, in Sydney (31 July-2 August 1860)

http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/177855

ON THE FIRST OF AUGUST, will be published, (price ONE SHILLING), the
AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET,
EDITED BY MARMADUKE H. WILSON.
CONTENTS: The Rose of Hazeldeen, Good News from Home,
Old Folks are Gone, Jennie Dean,
Anniversary Schottische, Drink to the Beautie,
England's Glorious Land, Oh! Erin my Country,
They have sold me down the river.
To be had of ALONZO GROCOTT, "Musical Bouquet Office" Bathurst-street West,
and of all the Book and Music Sellers in the Colony.

[4 advertisements], The Sydney Morning Herald (1 August 1860), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13043760

[Peck's] The AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET, New Series (full music size), on fine paper. Four pieces with pianoforte accompaniment. Ready in a few days. Nos. 1,2, and 3 still on SALE, 1s. each. 13, Park-street, near George-street

[Grocott's] THE AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET. Each subscriber will be presented, gratis, with a lithographic portrait of the Editor, from a photograph by Glaister.

THE AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET will be forwarded (post free) to any part of the colonies on receipt of 14 stamps, addressed to the Office, 66, Bathurst-street West, Sydney.

NEW and IMPROVED EDITION. Price 1s.-
THE AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET of THIS DAY contains the following popular music (vocal and instrumental), viz.:
1. "The Rose of Hazeldean."
2. "The Old Folks are Gone."
3. The Anniversary Schottische.
4. "Eegland, Glorious Land."
5. "Gocd News from Home."
6. "Jeanie Dean."
7. "We'll drink to the beauty that's beaming around."
8. "Oh, Erin, my Country."
9. "They've sold me down the river."
An article on the Macbeth music, reviews, &c. Edited by Marmaduke H. Wilson.
Office, 66. Bathurst-street West, Sydney.

"NEW MUSIC", Empire (13 August 1860), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60414876

. . . The "Australian Musical Bouquet," from being a quiet unpretending little affair, has now expanded into a periodical, having the pretension of the regular music folio. The former printer and editor having separated, Mr. Grocott, the printer, continues his old method of printing, about which there is some mystery, and very considerable ingenuity, and has enlisted Mr. M. H. Wilson as editor, who supplies his "Anniversary Schottische" and "Jeanie Deans," as well as a critique on the so-called "Locke's Music" in Macbeth. Besides these, there are "England, glorious Land," the drinking-song from "La Traviata," with pianoforte accompaniment, various other pieces, and a portrait (?) of the editor. Mr. Peck's publication, also new-series, No. 1, comes out in the full glory of engraved music, with four well-selected pieces . . .

"ART, SCIENCE, AND LITERATURE", Empire (21 August 1860), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60496606

. . . The Musical Bouquet is now published in double. In consequence of a disagreement between the proprietors, a dissolution of partnership took place, when each brought out a Musical Bouquet of his own, and, as usual in cases whern competition exists, the public has been the gainer. It is rather awkward, however, to have two publications coming out under the same name . . .

"NEW MUSIC", Empire (3 September 1860), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60497511

The week has not passed without furnishing its quota of new music. The "Australian Musical Bouquet. No. 2" has been issued by Mr. Grocott, and deserves universal approbation. The editor has evidently been very industrious. We have four pages of musical intelligence, equally interesting to the professional, the amatear, and the general reader; an original critique on " Lurline " and a condensed account of the operes, and all the concerts in London during the month of June, the latest intelligence. Eight pages of music, clearly printed on excellent paper, including an original mazurka and four cathedral chants with organ accompaniment as used in Her Majesty's Chapel Royal, Whitehall, composed by Richard Massey; these chants have, we believe, not been published, they will be continued monthly. The "Bouquet" is a very useful and cheap publication; the price of all this being one shilling. The titlepage is certainly a peculiar dosign, but is inscribed with the names of more than forty composers. From the same publication office we have No. 1 of a collected edition of the works of Marmaduke H. Wilson, well known as a musician of great talent; its title is Constance, dear Constance," from the composer's opera of "The Infidel Knight," and is a composition very different to many pieces with which we have lately been favoured. When we say that this is a London publication, (with wrapper printed in Sydney for the new issue,) got up in the most elegant style, five pages of beautifully engraved music for one shilling, it will readily be inferred that the age for cheap music in Sydney is about to commence.

[Advertisement], Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (29 September 1860), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59873461

PUBLISHED MONTHLY, PRICE ONE SHILLING.
Australian Musical Bouquet. Vol 1. No 3. EDITED BY MARMADUKE H. WILSON.
CONTENTS. No. 3 - NEW SERIES.
The Sweet Young Flowers of Early Spring
He's O'wer the Hills
Not Married Yetv Tom Bowling
We are coming Sister Mary, (with pianoforte accompaniment)
Chants, pianoforte and organ
March, pianoforte.
Reviews. Critiques, &c.
Printed by Alonzo Grocott, at the "Bouquet" Office.
No 66. Bathurst street, West.

"THE AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET", Bell's Life in Sydney (6 October 1860), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59873486

[Advertisement], Empire (1 May 1861), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60493232

THE MAY NUMBER NOW READY, and an Enlarged Edition. -
ALONZO GROCOTT'S AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET, for May, contains eight full-sized pages of Vocal and Pianoforte Music. Price, one shilling.
CONTENTS: Deh Vieni alla finestra, O mio tesoro, with English words; Come shining forth, my dearest - serenade from Mozart's Il Don Giovanni, arranged by Spagnoletti, R.A. expressly for the Australian Musical Bouquet
The Singing Polka, arranged by Spagnoletti
The Youthful Heart, ballad, by E. F. Rimbault.
May be purchased at all musicsellers and booksellers in Sydney and the suburbs, and at the Australian Bouquet Office, 66, Bathurst-street West.
Country subscribers will receive copies punctually by remission of postage stamps to the value of fourteen pence.

"THE AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL BOUQUET",Empire (2 May 1861), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60491608

We seem just now to be labouring under a rather unusual embarras des richesses in the way of musical publications, and may reasonably be permitted to hail the fact as another indication of the increasing cultivation of the divine art amongst our population. The recognition, however, becomes doubly gratifying when we find that these local publications are made the vehicle of developing pure and classical taste by furnishing, at a cheap rate, specimens of those great masters whose works are universally accepted as the models of all that is good and excellent in music. The Australian Musical Bouquet comes before us without any preliminary flourish of trumpets, and is also, for other reasons, entitled to favourable notice at our hands. It is, moreover, a creditable specimen of typography, and as it only contains transcriptions of musical composition, originally published in other parts of the world, and, at all events, for the most part well known to musicians, will not provoke unfavourable criticism by sickly original (?) effusions of more than questionable merit when judged by the laws of counterpoint. The Bouquet numbers amongst its contents the well-known and beautiful serenade from Don Giovanni, "Deh vieni," the voice part being written in the treble clef, instead of the bass in which it was originally composed. This lovely song is very correctly printed, and the only fault we can find is the alteration of the allegretto to andante, which is obviously wrong. The Singing Polka, by Alary, sung by Madame Catherine Hayes during her first visit to Sydney, follows next, and will, doubtless, prove very acceptable to our lady friends. "The Youthful Heart," a graceful ballad by Rimabault, in four sharps, of moderate compass, never going above E, terminates the list. The Bouquet is printed and published by Mr. Alonzo Grocott, 66, Bathurst-street, and we can confidently recommed it to the favourable notice of our musical friends in Sydney and elsewhere.

"THINKEST THOU OF ME?", The Sydney Morning Herald (24 August 1863), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13068668

An exceedingly pretty ballad under this title, in the key of F, has recently issued from the press and is deserving of very favourable notice. Both the music and the verses of this little song (composed by Mr. C. W. Harwood, R. A.) bear the impress of undoubted taste and ability, and have obviously been carefully revised by the author. The air modulates gracefully into related keys, flowing throughout in a spirited and measured strain, which accords agreeably and harmoniously with the words. It is not too simple, however - a common fault - but sufficiently difficult to occupy the artistic talents of an accomplished cantatrice, such as those of the lady to whom the composer has inscribed it - Miss Nina Spagnoletti. This ballad which will doubtless be well received by the musical public, has been neatly printed by Mr. Alonzo Grocott, of 66, Bathurst street West.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (10 November 1863), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13095801

NEW SONG. - "Our Australian Christmas," by E. Spagnoletti, will be published next week.

"SUMMARY OF MONTHLY NEWS", The Sydney Morning Herald (21 September 1864), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13107285

. . . Mr. Ernest Spagnoletti has also composed a pretty morceau, entitled "Our Australian Christmas Song." The words have been set to a flowing melody in the key of D. The range is within easy compass for the voice, with a suitable accompaniment. It is published by A. Grocott, and is neatly and clearly printed.

"ALLEGED BREACH OF THE PARTY PROCESSIONS ACT", Empire (27 July 1868), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60855533

. . . Jabez King Heydon, sworn, deposed . . . the day hoing the 12th of July, the presence of of Grocott and Jackson impressed me with the belief that the procession was composed of Orangemen . . .

"Insolvency Court", Australian Town and Country Journal (19 September 1885), 15

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70984116

Alonzo Grocott, of Sussex-street, Sydney, general printer. Liabilities, £242 15s ; assets, £1160 12s 3d. Mr. E. M. Stephen, official assignee.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (30 August 1893), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13914431

Intestate Estate of ALONZO GROCOTT. A. VIDER is instructed hy the Curator to sell by auction, THIS DAY, at 200 Castlereagh-street, 2 hand presses, litho. stones, and sundries, at 11 o'clock.

Extant musical publications

Annual report of the Sydney Choral Society, for the year 1845-46 (Sydney: Printed by A. Grocott, [1846])

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/28723027

ASSOCIATIONS: Sydney Choral Society

Thinkest thou of me? song, dedicted to Nina Spagnoletti, and composed by C. W. Harwood, R.A. ([Sydney]: Printed by Alonzo Grocott, 66, Bathurst Street, west [1861])

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/7565958

https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-177909749 (DIGITISED)

ASSOCIATIONS: Charles William Harwood; Nina Spagnoletti

Our Australian Christmas song, composed by E. Spagnoletti (Sydney: Printed and published by Alonzo Grocott, Excelsior Printing Office, 66 Bathurst Street West, [1863])

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/23881529

https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-168686125 (DIGITISED)

ASSOCIATIONS: Ernesto Spagnoletti junior

The native rose waltz, composed by Miss Emilie North (Sydney: A. Grocott, printer, 66, Bathurst-street West, [before 1873])

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/18603317/version/33166925

http://digital.sl.nsw.gov.au/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?embedded=true&toolbar=false&dps_pid=IE3749799 (DIGITISED)

https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/74VK72AKQr7A (DIGITISED)

ASSOCIATIONS: Emilie North; a new improved engraved edition appeeared from another press in 1873

Bibliography and resources

[J. M. Forde], "OLD SYDNEY. VACATING THE OLD BARRACKS", Truth [Perth, WA] (6 November 1909), 10

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207403355

"OLD SYDNEY", Truth (7 November 1909), 11

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202397374

. . . An interesting letter from an old correspondent, under date October 25 . . . from the son of an old imperial soldier [50th Regiment] . . . ". . . In your last issue you mention the name of Alonzo Grocott, the printer. In 1855 I worked for him, and had indentures drawn up, ready for signature, but I declined to be bound for seven years at such low wages as were mentioned in the identures. Grocott was in the basement of "Bell's Life" office in Bathurst-street, opposite the school at the rear of St. Andrew's Cathedral. He only employed one man, a Bengal (India) native, and myself. He used to print "Bell's Life" for the proprietors, Pickering and Nicholls. We had to stay back on Thursday evening and print one side of a single sheet. Then the circulation was about 1800 weekly. We remained all night on Friday, and, perhaps, got the form about 2 or 3 a.m., lock up on a large double-demy press, and print the other side, which contained all the sporting matter . . .

Prue Neidorf, A guide to dating music published in Sydney and Melbourne, 1800-1899 (M.A. thesis, University of Wollongong, 1999), 174-75

http://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/2926/ (DIGITISED)

Alonso Grocott, Find a grave

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190006855

GROCOTT, James Turner (James Turner GROCOTT; J. T. GROCOTT)

Music retailer, lithographer, printer, publisher

Born Manchester, England, March 1821; baptised St. Michael, Flixton, Manchester, 24 June 1821; son of James Turner GROCOTT (1791-1832) and Mary DORRINGTON (1791-1848)
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 28 March 1841 (immigrant per Margaret, from Liverpool, 25 October 1840, via the Cape of Good Hope, 29 January 1841)
Married Anne LUCAS (c. 1826-1888), Christ Church, Sydney, NSW, 18 December 1845
Trading at Grocott's music saloon, 486 George Street, from March 1848 to May 1851
Died Sydney, NSW, 6 April 1869, aged 48

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=James+Turner+Grocott (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/grocott-brothers.php#GROCOTT-James-Turner (shareable link to this entry)

See also entry in sheet music checklist:

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/checklist-sheet-music-1834-c1850.php#GROCOT

Grocott's music saloon (formerly Ellard's), 486 George Street, with Skinner's Hotel, at corner of Hunter Street, on the left; from Joseph Fowles's Sydney in 1848

http://digital.sl.nsw.gov.au/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?embedded=true&toolbar=false&dps_pid=FL3325908 (DIGITISED)

http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/0600151h.html

Summary

James Turner Grocott, a "writer's clerk", was first declared insolvent in March 1842. He and his elder brother Alonzo were then in partnership as stationers, engravers, and printers in 1845-46.

By September 1846, if not earlier, Grocott had also begun to sell sheet music. That month Spencer Wellington Wallace was advertising his brother's balled In happy moments from Maritana: "copies got up under his inspection will bear his signature, S. W. Wallace" to be had of a range of booksellers including Grocott, Moffitt, and Hudson. That Wallace's cousin Francis Ellard, who had also just issued an edition of In happy moments, was probably around this time experiencing business difficulties perhaps explains this duplication, and Grocott would go on to issue another Maritana song, Scenes that are brightest, under his own imprint.

In mid-February Ellard was newly insolvent, and in March Grocott took over his premises - the music saloon at 485-486 George Street - and purchased at auction his entire stock, including printing plates of Ellard's sheet music editions. Thereafter Grocott reissued copies of much of Ellard's original stock under his own imprint.

On 10 March 1848, rival retailer Abraham Emanuel issued a caution in the Herald, as a "professor of music", warning the public against an edition of:

the "Jenny Lind polka," incorrect from first to last, in fact a perfect disgrace as a musical colonial production, published by a certain printer in George-street.

A day later, Grocott responded by advertising his entire stock "N.B. 10,700 pieces of new MUSIC at HALF PRICE". But by July he too was insolvent, as he explained:

The cause of my insolvency is occasioned by my having purchased the stock of F. Ellard's estate . . . the which subsequently proved to be of such an unsaleable nature that the major portion of them could not be sold except at a great sacrifice. The sale for twelve months amounting to £82, and for which I agreed to pay £600.

Apart from variously trading on and suffering under Ellard's legacy, Grocott also published a few new colonial works, including John Howson's song The brides farewell to her mother in January 1848; William Stanley's song Tell him I love him yet in June 1850; and J. H. Anderson's dance set The Fitzroy quadrilles in September 1850.

The catalogue he published in the Herald in August 1850 probably represented his complete stock. In March 1851 he also advertised:

J. T. Grocott would add that he has determined on establishing a Musical Library, from which can be copied at any time any piece enumerated - the catalogue of which will appear in to-morrow's Herald, when a copy should be retained as a reference for those who may require a manuscript copy of the same. The Work itself will not be sold, but kept for the purpose specified above.
WANTED, two Music Copiers, who will be liberally paid.

However, the promised catalogue did not appear, and, his musical interests apparently waning, in April 1851 he launched a new venture "Grocott's Dissolving Views", with the disgraced George W. Worgan billed his pianist), before finally relinquishing his George-street premises in May.

Thereafter Grocott took his "Dissolving Views" to the NSW goldfields, as a Herald correspondent on "A Trip to the Diggings" reported:

A spring van! Why, surely the diggings are not yet sufficiently civilized to admit of the harmonious sounds of the pianoforte? Well! well! who could have thought it, the van is truly enough a pianoforte van; but not loaded with music exactly; and that strange looking being at the wheel, in the red nightcap, varigated woollen shirt, and beard of enormous length, is no less than the polite and natty Mr. Grocott, of George-street, who was wending his weary way to the land of Ophir. He recognized us long before we did him, and when asked if his views were now dissolving, he replied it was not likely to prove so profitable, or be so easily earned.

It is unclear what happened to Grocott's stock immediately after May 1851, though some or all of it was ultimately acquired by Woolcott and Clarke, and perhaps also by George Hudson and Henry Marsh.

Grocott himself appears to have had no further contact with the music trade (although his brother Alonzo did). As his two later insolvencies testify, Grocott was a storekeeper (in his father's trade of wines and spirits) in Pitt Street in 1855, and a hotelkeeper in Manly in September 1860.

Documentation

Bapitsms solemnized in the Parish of Flixton, in the County of Lancaster, in the year 1821; Manchester Archives

https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/2960/images/40365_294373-00456 (PAYWALL)

No. 666 / James Turner son of / James & Mary / Grocott / Manchester / Wine Merchant . . .
No. 667 / Alonzo son of / James & Mary / Grocott / Manchester / Wine Merchant . . .

Unmarried male immigrants per Margaret, March 1841; State Records Authority of NSW

https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1204/images/IMAUS1787_081265-0134 (PAYWALL)

https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1204/images/IMAUS1787_081265-0135 (PAYWALL)

"INSOLVENTS", The Sydney Herald (18 March 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12874278

The following parties have surrendered themselves as insolvents since the last publication of our list: - James Turner Grocott, of Elizabeth-street, writing clerk, March 16 . . .

"INSOLVENCY PROCEEDINGS. THURSDAY", The Sydney Herald (30 April 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12874917

In the esUte of J. Grocott, a summons had been issued, calling upon the defendant to shew cause why he should not be imprisoned until payment of his debts, or discharge according to law.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (25 March 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12878262

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. THE Undersigned beg to inform the public that they have this day reduced their prices for ENGRAVING AND PRINTING 25 PER CENT.
Ladies and gentlemen's Address Cards printed and delivered in two hours.
J. T. AND A. GROCOTT, Engravers, Printers, and Stationers.

[Advertisement], The Examiner (9 August 1845), 6

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228062516

"THE BANNER OF OLD ENGLAND," Song.
Dedicated to the Blue and Red Jackets of the Old Fighting School, by an Australian Emigrant, Old Soldier. To be had at Messrs. Ford's and Grocott's, George-street; also of the Publisher, G. Hudson, 377, Pitt-street North. Price 2s. 6d .

"MARRIED", The Sydney Morning Herald (19 December 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12884192

At Christ Church, on Thursday last, the 18th instant, by the Rev. W. H. Walsh, James T. Grocott, third son of the late James T. Grocott, Esq., of Dale-street, Manchester, England, to Anne, eldest daughter of Mr. Charles Lucas, of County of Clare, Ireland.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (30 January 1846), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12885019

JUST RECEIVED, EX "MIDLOTHIAN."
600 PIECES OF MUSIC, CONSISTING of choice selections from the Operas of
The Enchantress; Daughter of St. Mark; Bohemian Girl; L'Elisir D'Amore; Brides of Venice, &c., &c.
ALSO, A splendid assortment of Songs, Duets, Quadrilles, Polkas, and Waltzes, by the most celebrated composers.
J. T. AND A. GROCOTT, 470, George-street.

[Notice], New South Wales Government Gazette (20 March 1846), 376

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230140985

[Advertisement], The Citizen (29 August 1846), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article252637497

JUST PUBLISHED. MR. WALLACE has the honour to inform his friends and the public of Sydney, that he has published the admired ballad from his brother's Opera of MAR1TANA, entitled "In Happy Moments." All copies got up under his inspection will bear his signature, "S. W. Wallace." To be had of Messrs. Grocott, Ford, and Colman, booksellers, George-street; Mr. Moffitt, Pitt-street; and Mr. Hudson, musicseller, Pitt-street.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (24 February 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12891596

A BARGAIN.
A SPLENDID ACCORDION, 24 keys, in good order and nearly new, made by the celebrated Reisner, London.
PRICE, £3 3s. Apply to J. T. GROCOTT, Stationer and Printer, 496, George-street.

"ABSTRACT OF SALES BY AUCTION THIS DAY", The Sydney Morning Herald (20 March 1847), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12890000

Mr. E. Salamon, - On the Premises of Mr. Ellard, George-street, at 11 o'clock, Household Furniture and Effects.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (20 March 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12889993

DECIDED BARGAINS.
JAMES T. GROCOTT, STATIONER, PRINTER, AND PICTURE-FRAME MAKER,
HASTENS to inform his friends and the public (the Ladies especially), that he has this day Removed to the Shop lately occupied by Mr. F. Ellard, Music Seller, 486, George-street, having been instructed by the Official Assignee of the Estate to Sell
THE WHOLE OF THE BANKRUPT STOCK, Without Reserve, Consisting of upwards of 3000 Pieces Music
Viz.: Songs, Duets, Overtures, Glees, Operas, Solos, Quadrilles, &c., &c., &c.
Lovers of Music have now an opportunity which may never occur again, as the stock must be cleared out in a few months.
There is also a splendid Stock of Violins, Violoncellos, Flutes, Flageolets, Clarionets, Fifes, Trombones, Organs, Violin and Piano Strings, Mouth Pieces, Tuning Keys, &c., &c., &c.
The whole of which will be sold at LESS THAN PRIME COST.
The Stationery, Printing, and Frame making will be carried on as heretofore, J. T. G. being determined to do an extensive trade if attention and reasonable charges will ensure it.
Music Saloon and Stationery Warehouse, 486, George-street, Directly opposite the Barrack-gate.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (27 March 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12893890

TO THE LADIES. J. T. GROCOTT begs to inform the Ladies of Sydney that he has this day opened a room at the rear of the Music Saloon, expressly for their use, in which they can try any piece of music they may select, on a Pianoforte kept for that purpose - a convenience which, he trusts the will avail themselves of; the stock of music will be found the best selected and most extensive in the colony, and which will be sold at VERY REDUCED PRICES.
A fresh supply will be received from London every month.
Pianofortes bought and sold on commission; also, tuned and repaired.
Music Saloon and Stationery Depot, 486, George-street.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (13 April 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12891974

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (20 April 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12891276

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (25 May 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12896145

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (26 May 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12893779

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (2 June 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12897449

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (7 July 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12889421

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (10 July 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12896731

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (28 July 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12898808

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (7 September 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12900310

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (25 September 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12889764

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (2 October 1847), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12896642

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (30 December 1847), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12889363

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (9 February 1848), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12889333

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (23 February 1848), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12899113

[2 advertisements], The Sydney Morning Herald (9 March 1848), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12889695

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (10 March 1848), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12901420

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (11 March 1848), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12895248

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (7 April 1848), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12898469

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (13 May 1848), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12905674

[Advertisement], The Sydney Daily Advertiser (1 June 1848), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article253059418

"NEW INSOLVENT", The Sydney Morning Herald (12 July 1848), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12908370

JAMES TURNER GROCOTT, of George-street, Sydney, stationer and music seller.
Debts, £911 10s. 1d.; assets, personal property, £470 10s.; debts due, £60 13s. 9d. Balance deficiency, £380 12s. 1d.
Official Assignee, Mr. George King.
ADVERTISEMENT. - The cause of my insolvency is occasioned by my having purchased the stock of F. Ellard's estate, from Mr. C. Irving, official assignee, the which subsequently proved to be of such an unsaleable nature that the major portion of them could not be sold except at a great sacrifice. The sale for twelvemonths amounting to £82, and for which I agreed to pay £600.
JAMES T. GROCOTT,
Stationer and Printer.
July 11.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (26 July 1848), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12904351

[Notice], New South Wales Government Gazette (13 October 1848), 1467

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230150221

"DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE", The Sydney Morning Herald (10 November 1848), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12904803

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (12 January 1849), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12902899

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (25 January 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12910415

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (11 April 1849), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12908985

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (28 June 1849), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12910986

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (6 August 1849), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12910881

"IN THE ESTATE OF FRANCIS ELLARD, AN INSOLVENT", The Sydney Morning Herald (6 September 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12905764

In this estate, a plan of distribution had been filed; whilst lying in the office for the inspection of creditors, one of them filed a caveat against its allowance, or confirmation by the full Court. It appeared that Mr. Clark Irving, the official assignee of the estate, the insolvent having been a musical instrument and music seller, &c., sold by private contract the stock in hand to Mr. Grocott, of George-street, for the sum of £600, which was to be partly secured, and the whole to be paid in eighteen equal monthly instalments. Prior to the sale a valuation of the stock in question was made by three different auctioneers, and they all agreed that if sold at public auction, the whole would not fetch £200; one or two said it would not realise more than £150. Whilst the contract of sale between Irving and Grocott was under consideration the third meeting of the creditors of the estate was convened, and then and there the matter of the intended sale and its terms were laid before the creditors then assembled, (amongst whom was the now opposing creditor, Mr. Pite.) They did not dissent from it. Mr. Grocott soon found that he had made a very foolish bargain, and could not punctually discharge the monthly instalments of the purchase money; upon being pressed by Mr. Irving for payment he was compelled to sequestrate his estate. However, with what Mr. Grocott had paid before his insolvency, with what dividend his own estate since paid, and with what had been received from the party who had secured the part payment by Grocott, a sum of £352 had been paid to the estate of Ellard. The real object of the caveat being lodged was to make Mr. Irving pay personally the difference between the sum of £352 and £600 . . .

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (9 October 1849), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12913546

[Advertisement], Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (24 November 1849), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59769834

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (1 December 1849), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12911859

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (7 December 1849), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12902541

"LOCAL INTELLIGENCE", Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (8 December 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59769889

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (6 March 1850), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12916208

[Advertisement], The People's Advocate and New South Wales Vindicator (6 April 1850), 15

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251537864

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (2 May 1850), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12917584

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (9 May 1850), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12917776

[Advertisement]: "CATALOGUE OF MUSIC", The Sydney Morning Herald (31 August 1850), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12920685

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (6 September 1850), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12920839

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (19 October 1850), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12921880

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (15 November 1850), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12922554

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (22 November 1850), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12922755

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (5 December 1850), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12923082

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (10 January 1851), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12923991

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (30 January 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12924408

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (5 March 1851), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12925268

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (13 March 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12925501

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (20 March 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12925688

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (21 March 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12925722

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (25 March 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12925837

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (26 March 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12925856

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (4 April 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12926044

"GROCOTT'S DISSOLVING VIEWS", Empire (17 April 1851), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60034176

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (21 April 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12926458

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (1 May 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12926719

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (19 May 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12927219

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (22 May 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12927294

"A TRIP TO THE DIGGINGS", The Sydney Morning Herald (27 June 1851), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12928226

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (23 August 1851), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12929741

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (23 August 1851), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12929714

[[Advertisement], Empire (27 August 1851), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60122958

"DEATHS", The Sydney Morning Herald (8 April 1869), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13187155

Musical publications

See main entry on Grocott in checklist of sheet music publications:

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/checklist-sheet-music-1834-c1850.php#GROCOTT

Bibliography and resources

Prue Neidorf, A guide to dating music published in Sydney and Melbourne, 1800-1899 (M.A. thesis, University of Wollongong, 1999), 175-76 (177)

http://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/2926/ (DIGITISED)

The University of Sydney - Australharmony

Grocott brothers (James and Alonzo Grocott)

GROCOTT, Alonzo (Alonzo GROCOTT; Mr. A. GROCOTT)

Summary

Documentation

Extant musical publications

Bibliography and resources

GROCOTT, James Turner (James Turner GROCOTT; J. T. GROCOTT)

Summary

Documentation

Musical publications

Bibliography and resources