Barber, C. A, Master (SCC Newsletter November 1995)

Master C. A. BARBER c.1851

Examples of his Work.

I am indebted to John Redpath a member of the Club, for this article. He recently came across these works in a drawer - he thinks these were purchased in Ayr, Scotland some 40 years ago! The cuttings are both photographed together with inscription on the back of the slightly larger one. The word 'Square' should follow 'Soho' but has been worn away over the years. The larger cutting is 5 "X 3½" and the smaller 4½ "X 3".

We now have some initials for "Master" Barber and an opportunity to look at the quality and style of his work. As can be seen it is very skilled and the cutting fine. The subject matter is not unsimilar to that of Sam Brierly, but without his humour. (it will be noted that the tail of the dog is missing and it is only just possible to see the corn being given to the hens by the woman.)

Both Mrs. McKechnie in her Book (page 188) and Mrs. N. Jackson in her Dictionary (page 79) have an entry on Master Barber. Neither show any illustrations of his work but mention that he cut all his work freehand. It was not known if he continued his cutting after reaching adulthood. His subject matter was landscapes and figures.

Quite an effort for a 10 year old boy! Now that we have his initials it may be possible to obtain some biographical details of him. He was said to be 10 years old at the time of the Great Exhibition in 1851 where he showed his work. Perhaps this will be a job for me during the com- winter! Please let me know if any of you have examples of Master Barber's work - also if you have come across any inscription relating to his work with a different wording from the one I have illustrated.