Fred Barnes
(1885-1938), Music hall entertainerFrederick Jester Barnes
Sitter in 9 portraits
Fascinated as a boy by male impersonator Vesta Tilley, Barnes rejected the family's butchery business in favour of the stage. Known for his charm and debonair good looks, he was signed by impresario Oswald Stoll, and became a star of the London music halls. In 1914 he tried to enlist in the Army but was rejected on account of a nervous condition. His career however flourished with hits such as Boys In Khaki, Boys In Blue, Alexander's Ragtime Band, and, originally made famous by Elsie Janis, Give Me The Moonlight, Give Me The Girl.
by Fielding of Leeds, published by J. Beagles & Co
bromide postcard print, late 1900s
NPG Ax160145
by J. Bacon & Sons, published by J. Beagles & Co
bromide postcard print, late 1900s
NPG Ax160146
by J. Bacon & Sons, published by J. Beagles & Co
bromide postcard print, late 1900s
NPG Ax160147
Fred Barnes in 'The Black Sheep of the Family'
by Frank Dobson of Liverpool, published by J. Beagles & Co
bromide postcard print, 1907
NPG Ax160148
by J. Bacon & Sons, published by J. Beagles & Co
bromide postcard print, 1910s
NPG Ax160143
published by Rotary Photographic Co Ltd
bromide postcard print, 1910s
NPG Ax160144
by Dobson Studios, published by J. Beagles & Co
bromide postcard print, 1910s
NPG x160479
by Dobson Studios, published by J. Beagles & Co
bromide postcard print, 1910s
NPG x200160
published by The Star Music Publishing Company Ltd, after Unknown photographer
halftone reproduction, 1914
NPG D42966
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Jules Stapleton Barnes (born Julia Barnes)
21 January 2021, 20:29
I am Fred Barnes' relative, living in Edinburgh. I am related to him through my paternal grandfather, Cecil John Barnes who used to talk about Fred's connection to the family. However, sadly we can't remember the exact place in the family tree. Fred Barnes was an only son as I understand it, so we think his father must have been a cousin (or brother) of my Great Grandfather. Do you have any information on Fred's family? We'd love to do some digging!