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Michael Frederick Barrett

Michael Barrett was one of the earliest photographers in Lowestoft and from his family's research, could very well be the first. According to research from Robert Barrett, the great-great-grandson of Michael Barrett, he was born in the area and moved to Camden in London where learnt photography and then moved back home to Lowestoft to set up shop.

Another descendant owned a painted portrait of Michael Barrett, and that's what you see here. Apparently this portrait came about as the result of a bet. When in Camden, Barrett was a pugilist and he bet his opponent (a painter) that if he won he could have his portrait done. If he lost he would have photographed his opponent. As you can see, the result was a portrait.

There are several Barretts that show up in a variety of directories listed as photographers in Lowestoft. All of my photos have the same style of backs, leading me to believe they are from the same studio. One has "M. Barrett", instead of a plain "Barrett". A Michael Frederick Barrett of London Road was listed in Harrod's Norfolk Directory(s) 1863/1868/ 1872/1873/ 1877, Morris' Suffolk Directory 1868, Kelly's Suffolk Directory(s) 1869/1875/1879.

Thanks to Robert Barrett for kindly providing a copy of the portrait, which is in his possession.