K. Scott-Barrie in character as "The entertainer". Photographic postcard, 191-.

Date:
[between 1910 and 1919?]
Reference:
2044848i
Part of:
The James Gardiner Collection.
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view K. Scott-Barrie in character as "The entertainer". Photographic postcard, 191-.

Contains: 2 images

In copyright

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Credit

K. Scott-Barrie in character as "The entertainer". Photographic postcard, 191-. In copyright. Source: Wellcome Collection.

About this work

Publication/Creation

Leeds (118 North Street) : J. Barratt, [between 1910 and 1919?]

Physical description

1 photographic postcard ; 13.8 x 8.7 cm

Lettering

K. Scott-Barrie (The entertainer) Lettering in white ink on bottom recto

Notes

The following description was provided by James Gardiner: "He is wearing wearing high Edwardian drag. Chiffon tiers cascade down to a flowing train, the waist is tightly corseted, the wide Bishop sleeves edged in cut-work embroidery ; a white marabou stole, lily-of-the valley corsage and elegant wig and gloves complete the toilette. The make-up is heavy and dramatic for the time, but totally feminine. Kemsley Scott-Barrie (real name Edward Woolhouse, 1883-1918) was a sea-side concert party entertainer who started his career in Scarborough. He graduated from concert-parties to pantomime and music-hall. He was something of a pioneer in that his female characters were not grotesque dames, but glamorous ladies. In male clothing he presented a distinguished and completely masculine appearance. As a soldier in the Prince of Wales' Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment in World War I, one may assume he took part in concert parties, but he was killed in action in the closing weeks of the war, October 1918. He is buried in France."
This work is untitled: the title has been supplied by the cataloguer.

References note

James Gardiner, Who's a pretty boy, then?, London 1997, p. 38

Reference

Wellcome Collection 2044848i

Where to find it

  • Photograph album labelled ‘Drag'

    LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores

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