Home > Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images August 2021
Colonel Barker - Valerie Smith
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Colonel Barker - Valerie Smith
Page from The Graphic reporting on the case of Colonel Barker (aka John Hill and Geoffrey Norton), who was born Lilias Irma Valerie Barker in 1895. Barker married and had children but later lived life as a man and as an ex-army officer. Date: 1929
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23400176
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Barker Colonel Dressing Gender Geoffrey Holloway Identity Irma Norton Nov20 Prison Scandal Scandalous Swap Valerie 1929 Lgbt Lgbtq Smith Transgender
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Macropodidae
> Irma
> Arts
> Artists
> B
> John Barker
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> John Hillers
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> John Hills
> Arts
> Artists
> S
> Mary Smith
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
Colonel Barker, the enigmatic figure once known as Valerie Smith, born Lilias Irma Barker in 1895, poses confidently for this photograph, concealing the extraordinary secrets of his past. The image, published in The Graphic on November 20, 1929, captures Barker as 'Colonel Geoffrey Norton, ex-army officer and retired businessman.' However, this was far from the truth. Barker had lived a double life, first as a woman and wife, then as a man and an army officer. Born as Valerie, she married and had children, but in later years, she began to live as a man, adopting the identities of John Hill and later, Geoffrey Norton. Her gender swap was a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few. The deception came crashing down in 1929 when Barker was arrested and sent to Holloway Prison. The sensational case made headlines, with the press reporting on the scandalous details of her past. The public was shocked and fascinated by the story of the woman who had lived as a man, and the man who had been a woman. Despite the scandal, Barker continued to live as a man, maintaining the façade of a retired army officer and businessman. The photograph, taken during this period, shows a man who exudes an air of authority and confidence, a stark contrast to the woman she once was. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of identity and the lengths some people will go to live authentically. It also highlights the societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality during the late 1920s, an era when such stories were considered scandalous and taboo.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.