K. Scott-Barrie in character as "The entertainer". Process print, 190-.

Date:
[between 1900 and 1909?]
Reference:
2044849i
Part of:
The James Gardiner Collection.
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Public Domain Mark

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Credit

K. Scott-Barrie in character as "The entertainer". Process print, 190-. Public Domain Mark. Source: Wellcome Collection.

About this work

Description

The question mark following Mr printed on the postcard suggests they perform with an androgynous gender expression.

Publication/Creation

[Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], [between 1900 and 1909?]

Physical description

1 print : process print ; 13.7 x 8.6 cm

Lettering

Mr ? K. Scott-Barrie. The entertainer Lettering printed in black on bottom recto

Notes

The following description was provided by James Gardiner: "He is leaning on a marble pillar and 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.

Reference

Wellcome Collection 2044849i

Where to find it

  • Photograph album labelled ‘Drag'

    LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores

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