work

Galleries and Reading Room

Café

Shop

Library

Our galleries are quietest on weekdays and weekend mornings. At busy times, particularly on Saturdays, you may need to queue for our temporary exhibitions.

We’re undertaking some research with website visitors to learn more about how people find access-related information provided by museums. This survey shouldn't take longer than 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time!

Help us organize our website content.

<p>Postcard reproduction of a cover of 'Wide world magazine' (published London 1898-1965) showing a soldier in drag, and in military uniform inset, with caption.</p>

Military, naval, and prisoner-of-war camp drag

The James Gardiner Collection.

James Gardiner Collection: photographs of military, naval, and prisoner-of-war camp drag.

Sailors in theatrical costume. Photographic postcard, 1919.

Eleven sailors performing in a play on the Ark Royal. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Three sailors with arms round each other. Photographic postcard, 1917.

Seven sailors standing together on deck. Photographic postcard, 1918.

A re-enactment of the speech by Queen Elizabeth I at Tilbury before the Spanish Armada. Postcard, ca. 1929.

Nine men dressed up on deck. Photographic postcard, 192-.

Five men dressed in theatrical costume including a bride and groom.

Two men in elaborate drag. Photographic postcard. 192--.

Eleven men on a large stage set. Photographic postcard. 192-.

Venie Clements and Bert Edwards acting in "La danse des Apaches". Photographic postcard, ca. 1910.

Two men in drag acting on stage. Photographic postcard. 1905-1910.

Actors performing at a prisoner of war camp in Osnabrück. Photographic postcard. 1916.

Men on a large stage set. Photographic postcard. 191- - 192-.

Three actors performing at a prisoner of war camp in Münster. Photographic postcard, ca. 1916.

Actors performing at a prisoner of war camp in Münster. Photographic postcard. 1916.

Servicemen in Malta performing a play, some in drag. Photographic postcard by R. Ellis, ca. 1918.

Three men performing a scene from a play. Photographic postcard. 191-.

Servicemen performing a play, in front of the stage. Photographic postcard. 191-.

Two men seated together on stage. Photographic postcard, 191-.

British servicemen in drag acting out a cooking class. Photograph, 191-.

British servicemen performing a sketch on the power of the press. Photograph, 191-.

Four British servicemen performing a sketch with vehicles. Photograph, 191-.

British servicemen performing a sketch. Photograph, 191-.

British airforce servicemen performing a sketch, striking an animated pose. Photograph, 1918.

British servicemen dancing in a line, some are in drag. Photograph, ca. 1918.

Actors gathered around a man in drag. Photographic postcard by The Fancy Dress Studio, 191-.

Actors performing 'L'idée de Françoise'. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Soldiers watching a revue. Colour process print, ca. 1916, after J. Thiriar.

Sailors with men in drag outside a building. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Actors sitting in front of an ambulance train, some in drag. Photograph, 191-.

French or Belgian soldiers performing "Les phares Soubigou". Photographic postcard, 191-.

A sailor holds hands with a man in elaborate drag. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two actors performing for "The Timbertown Follies" at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A soldier in drag modelling for "The Timbertown Follies" at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A British prisoner of war in drag, performing for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two soldiers embracing on a bale of hay, one in drag. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A prisoner of war dressed in drag. Photographic postcard by L. Soudan, 191-.

Fred Penley dressed as a clown holding a wreath, performing for "The Timbertown Follies" at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A person dressed as a mermaid.

Two British soldiers dressed smartly, performing for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Russian prisoners of war in smart attire performing a show at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard by P. Tharan, 191-.

Two British soldiers performing as clowns for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

British prisoners of war in smart attire performing a show at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard by P. Tharan, 1916-1917.

Ern and Chick, two actors, Chick in drag, pose in summer attire. Photographic postcard, ca. 1918.

French prisoners of war performing a show at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard by P. Tharan, 191-.

A Ukrainian prisoner of war performing a dance at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard by P. Tharan, 191-.

A French prisoner of war posing in drag at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard by P. Tharan, 191-.

British prisoners of war performing a show at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus, with Dover cliffs backdrop. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Russian prisoners of war performing a show at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus, with flower-bed prop. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two English prisoners of war dressed for a show at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Actors performing French theatre at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard, 191-.

British prisoners of war posing in beach attire for a show at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard by P. Thiran, 191-.

British prisoners of war performing at a show at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard by P. Tharan, 191-.

Harold Chapman and Mark Leslie performing a revue for the Bow Bells. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Con Oram laces A.P. Holland (in drag) into a boned corset in a show for the Bow bells concert party. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Harold Chapman in drag poses with Mark Leslie dressed as a Golliwog, in an act for the Bow Bells. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Dick Horn and Harry Brandon dressed as pantomime dames for the Bow Bells concert party. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A.P. Holland in drag posing for the Bow Bells concert party. Photographic postcard, 191-.

French prisoners of war, one in drag, performing a show at Sennelager prisoner of war camp in Germany. Photographic postcard, 1918.

L'Alouette and Arthur Frith of 'The Goods' concert party, posing on stage. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A French prisoner of war in drag acting in an internment camp in Dülmen. Photographic postcard, ca. 1917.

An actor from the troupe "The Goods", in drag as "L'Alouette". Photographic postcard, 191-.

Private Webster (known as L'Alouette) in drag, posing for a portrait. Photographic postcard, ca. 1916.

A soldier in drag, dressed in a bonnet and holding an umbrella. Photographic postcard, 191-.

An man in drag as "Gertie" wearing a checked coat. Photographic postcard, 1916.

Four soldiers posing, three in drag, with an injured soldier seated in the centre. Photographic postcard, 191-.

An sailor poses in drag, wearing heavy fabric and a headband. Photographic postcard, ca. 1915-1916.

A convalescent soldier (Lance-Corporal R.C. Thomas) poses in drag, wearing a silk dress and sitting with a mourning veil. Photographic postcard, 1916.

An soldier in a concert party poses in drag, wearing white and holding a chair, standing in front of a train. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Harry Smallwood and another man stand in a field, one in drag and the other wearing Turkish inspired costume. Photographic postcard, 1925-.

A drag pearly queen and her two kings pose for a group portrait. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Amateur actors sitting down, surrounding a man in drag seated in the centre. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Amateur actors performing "Carry On". Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two amateur actors embrace on the deck of a ship; one is in drag, the other is kneeling on one knee. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A young man in elaborate drag sits in front of a painted sky backdrop. Photographic postcard, 1934.

A man dressed in drag as a cowgirl. Photographic postcard, ca. 1915-1920.

A man wearing a white dress sits playing the piano. Photographic postcard, 192-.

Two men actors in drag, with contrasting expressions, stand in front of a plain background. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A man in drag (Charlie) sits face-on, wearing detailed costume, with a window painted on the backdrop. Photographic postcard, 1919.

Four British prisoners of war at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus, posing as lovers. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Members of a military concert party during World War I. Photographic postcard, ca. 1916.

Two members of a military concert party pose on stage: one is in drag with a large hat and pigtails. Photographic postcard, 1915-1916.

Two sailors (?) on board ship: one in drag is playing a guitar. Photographic postcard, 1907.

A French prisoner of war acting in an internment camp in Dülmen, performing in drag, wearing a long white dress. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two sailors, one in drag, embracing while sitting on a stage balcony. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Six sailors, one in drag, pose for a group portrait on the deck of H.M.S. St. George. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A sailor in drag sits on the deck of a ship in bright sunlight. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A sailor on H.M.S St. Vincent, in drag as a bride in a performance of 'The Great Casimir'. Photographic postcard, 1918.

Sailors on H.M.S Dominion, one in bridal drag, conduct a mock wedding on Christmas Day. Photographic postcard, 1915.

An actor, in drag, performing English theatre at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two sailors, one in drag, pose on deck holding props. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two British servicemen, one in drag, between shows in Genoa. Photographic postcard, 1916.

Two amateur actors in drag, wearing elaborate costume. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A sailor called William Mills in drag and in naval uniform. Photographic postcard, 191-.

An amateur actor in drag poses with an open parasol, in front of painted scenery. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two amateur actors, one in drag as 'Charley's Aunt', greet each other in front of painted scenery. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A man in drag, holding a feather, performing in the play 'A country girl'. Photographic postcard, 1920.

An amateur actor in drag, wearing a flapper dress and white footwear. Photographic postcard, 1925-1928.

A man in drag wears make-up and is holding flowers, posing for his portrait. Photographic postcard, ca. 1918.

Two prisoners of war, one in drag, pose with a chair. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two soldiers, one in drag, sit close to each other on stage, in front of a detailed backdrop of trees at Beverlo Camp, Belgium. Process print, 190-.

Two young men in drag wearing Japanese costumes, pose together holding fans, underneath a parasol. Photographic postcard, 1905.

Two amateur actors, one in drag, share a kiss on stage, in front of a detailed backdrop of trees at Beverloo Camp in Belgium. Process print, 190-.

Members of 'The Stars' concert party, two soldiers in drag and two as pierrots, pose around a bench. Photographic postcard, 1919.

Two men in drag wearing face masks and patterned robes, holding fans. Photographic postcard, ca. 1910.

A family, all members wearing grotesque masks, the father in drag. Photographic postcard, ca. 1910.

Three soldiers, two in drag, pose in costume. Photographic postcard, ca. 1920.

A prisoner of war acting in an internment camp in Dülmen, performing in drag, wearing a white dress and a dark hat. Photographic postcard, 191-.

An amateur actor in drag, holding flowers and a parasol, poses in front of delicately painted backdrop. Photographic postcard, 191-.

An amateur actor in drag, posing as 'Ninon', wearing a white dress and hat. Photographic postcard, 192-.

A man in drag posing with an umbrella, with a 3rd prize label attached to his shoulder. Photographic postcard, 192-.

A man in ornate drag sits in a dog-cart and is pulled along the road by a man dressed in Chinese patterned robes and hat. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two men in drag, one wearing a detailed feathered head garment, pose for a portrait. Photographic postcard by F. Wood, 190-.

A variety programme for the Duke of York's theatre. Photographic postcard, 1924.

Two men, one in drag, dressed as bride and groom. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A man wearing a morning suit holds up his cane and boater. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two men, one in drag, sit together on a bench. Photographic postcard, 190-.

A man dressed wearing a long coat and a hat bearing the word "Cook", stands outside a building. Photographic postcard, 191-.

An man in drag is wearing a revealing dress and holding a staff, posing with his other hand on his hip. Photographic postcard, 1909.

Two actors, one in drag, pose on garden furniture. Photographic postcard, 1918.

A man in drag wearing a very large hat with a veil, stands in front of a painted backdrop, with dense foliage. Photographic postcard, 1911.

Two actors pose on stage: a man wearing top hat and tails gazes down at a man in drag. Photographic postcard, 192-.

An amateur actor in drag holds up his impressive folded dress to one side. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two men, one in drag, wearing smart attire, pose as a couple within foliage. Photographic postcard, ca. 1900.

Roy and Gus, two music-hall actors, one in drag, converse across a bench. Photographic postcard by Greenfield Bros, 192-.

A sailor in drag posed behind a wooden fence.

Two men, both in drag, pose wearing hats and make-up. Photographic postcard, ca. 1918.

Two soldiers, one in drag called "Miss Billy Timmins", are seated in front of a painted backdrop. Photographic postcard, 1917.

A person wearing a dress, large hat and roller skates, poses holding a basket.

Two actors, one in drag, dancing together on stage. Photographic postcard, 1918.

Two men, one in drag, the other dressed as a cowboy, pose in front of a plain background. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A person poses wearing a long coat with fur trim and a hat with a brooch.

An actor in drag wearing a light dress and styled hair, poses in front of a black background. Photographic postcard by Vernon Studio, 1921.

A man in drag poses wearing a short dress and large bow tie-shaped head garment. Photographic postcard, 192-.

An actor in drag, poses mid-dance, wearing a feathered head garment and a tassled dress. Photographic postcard, 1921.

Eddie, a man in drag poses for a close-up, wearing a pearl necklace and styled hair. Photographic postcard, ca. 1925.

A performer in drag poses on stage wearing a head garment with sprawling feathers. Photographic postcard, 191-.

An actor in drag, known as "Gertie", poses mid-movement in a white dress. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A prisoner of war in drag, wearing a dress and white cloak, poses mid-movement with arms outstretched. Photographic postcard by Albert Melzer, 191-.

A sailor in drag, wearing a long coat and hat, sits reading in a garden. Photographic postcard, ca. 1920.

A performer in drag, wearing a large flowery dress, poses with a cigarette on stage. Photographic postcard, ca. 1908-1910.

A performer in drag, wearing a black dress and tiara, leaning on a chair. Photographic postcard by W. Aspden, 1924.

Eddie Edwards, an actor in drag, wearing a white fabric robe, holding a bouquet of flowers. Photographic postcard by L.E. Muller, 191-.

A British prisoner of war in drag, wearing a delicate short dress, leans towards the viewer with his hands on his hips. Photographic postcard by E. Ohle, 191-.

Actors, one in drag, performing on stage as "The Curios". Photographic postcard, ca. 1918-1920.

A group of men, one in drag, swimming and playing in a river.

Amateur actors, some in drag, gather for a group portrait, in a room with a fireplace. Photographic postcard, 192-.

Actors, one in drag, performing "The man From Toronto", pose on set for a group portrait. Photographic postcard, 192-.

Soldiers, one in drag, performing in the concert party for Mesopotamia, posing around a piano. Photographic postcard by Hana Studios, 191-.

French prisoners of war, one in drag, performing a show at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus, with an elaborate stage set. Photographic postcard, 191-.

British prisoners of war, some in drag, posing on stage arm in arm at a prisoner of war camp in Cottbus. Photographic postcard by P. Tharan, 191-.

French or Belgian prisoners of war, some in drag, posing on stage during a crowded scene of "La dame aux camélias"; at Sennelager prisoner of war camp in Germany. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Four Dutch servicemen, one in drag, standing on snowy ground near residential property. Photographic postcard, ca. 1910.

Amateur actors in drag, pose on stage as "The Blackthorns". Photographic postcard, 191-.

Actors, some in drag, performing at a prisoner of war camp in Belgium. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Amateur actors, some in drag, pose for a group portrait. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Amateur actors, some in drag, on stage attending to the death of a female character. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two amateur actors, both in drag, confront each other on stage. Photographic postcard, ca. 1918.

Amateur actors, some in drag, are having tea on stage. Photographic postcard, 192-.

Two amateur actors, both in drag, having a drink on stage. Photographic postcard, ca. 1918.

Amateur actors in drag, wearing white dresses and dancing on stage. Photographic postcard, 191-.

People at Rickmansworth, Herts., some in drag, gather outside at a swimmming gala. Photographic postcard, 1908.

German actors, some in drag, gather on stage at a party. Photographic postcard, 1930-45.

People gathered outside a building wearing various costumes, some in drag. Photographic postcard, 1924.

Amateur actors, one in drag, perform a scene on stage. Photographic postcard, 191-.

The "Döberitz Empire" stage and seating, at a prisoner of war camp in Döberitz, Germany. Process print, 1916.

Actors, some in drag, pose for a group portrait, in front of a large wooden doorway. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Russian soldiers in drag, posing very close together, in front of a plain background. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two sailors pose on stage, holding up a drink. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Two sailors, one in drag, sit on stage at a table, in front of very detailed scenery. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Sailors, some in drag, stand on stage performing a scene. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Sailors, some in drag, performing a scene on stage. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Sailors posing as a couple, one in drag, as they embrace through a window. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A sailor in drag leans on a high stool, in front of patterned scenery. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Sailors on stage in mid-pose, wearing a variety of costumes. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A couple of sailors, one in drag, pose together on stage. Photographic postcard, 191-.

A couple, one in drag, pose together on stage. Photographic postcard, 191-.

British soldiers, two in drag, pose for a group portrait, in front of a detailed backdrop. Photographic postcard, 191-.

German prisoners of war, one in drag, propose a toast during a performance at Leigh prisoner of war camp, Lancashire. Photographic postcard by H. Attenborough, 191-.

British prisoners of war posing for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

British prisoners of war, one in drag, posing for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

British soldiers in France, one in drag, pose for a group portrait. Photographic postcard, 191-.

British soldiers in a concert party, one in drag, pose as "The Whizz Bangs". Postcard, 191-.

British prisoners of war performing a circus act for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Four British prisoners of war, posing for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

British prisoners of war, posing for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Actors dressed as a clowns, performing for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Sailors, some in drag, pose as three couples on the deck of a ship. Photographic postcard, 192-.

British prisoners of war, one in drag, posing for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Process print, 191-.

A soldier who ecaped from the Turks dressed as a woman; advertising the military magazine "The Wide World". Photographic postcard, ca. 1918.

Wellcome uses cookies.

A soldier who ecaped from the Turks dressed as a woman; advertising the military magazine "The Wide World". Photographic postcard, ca. 1918.

Collection contents

Available online

About this work

Description

Publication/Creation

Physical description

Contributors

Lettering

Notes

Reference

Type/Technique

Subjects

Where to find it

Military, naval, and prisoner-of-war camp drag

Permanent link