Soldiers, one in drag, performing in a concert party as "The Bow Bells"; posing for a group portrait. Photographic postcard, 191-.

item

Galleries and Reading Room

Library

Shop

Café

<p>Harold Chapman of the Bow Bells and his Pierrot chorus. Several pierrots surround the man in drag, kneeling either side; the man in drag is reading a note and has long pigtails. They were members of the 56th (London) Division concert party, called Bow Bells, which was particularly active on the French front from 1916. This was a particularly well-organized concert party, and in Harold Chapman, shown here, they had a star on their hands. He was extremely popular and attractive in drag; all the more surprising for his having a baritone voice</p>

Soldiers, one in drag, performing in a concert party as "The Bow Bells"; posing for a group portrait. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Licence and re-use