Bairstow, Benjamin (Whistling Tommy)

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Portrait of Benjamin Bairstow (Whistling Tommy), born in Lancashire 1855, came to Bradford 1870, works as porter to ironmongers.

Research - known as Whistling Tommy. from a respectable family. Moved in Bradford in 1870, aged 15 and worked as porter and general labourer to ironmongers. He was mocked for his whistling. Whistled the 'Marseillaise' as part of a procession of civic dignitaries on Jubliee Sunday 1897. Sowden painted him for four and half hours on 22nd November 1890 and Benjamin whistled opera and popular songs.

Year

1891

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-203