Offered here is a vintage autographed photograph of Ella Shields (1879–1952), the celebrated American-born British music hall singer and pioneering female male impersonator, best known for her iconic character “Burlington Bertie.”
The photograph shows Shields in a striking formal portrait, dressed in a dark tailored jacket with a white shirt and boutonniere. The image is personally signed and inscribed by Shields in ink, reading “Sincerely Ella Shields” with an additional handwritten inscription at upper left.
Ella Shields was born Ella Catherine Buscher in Baltimore in 1879 and began her performing career in American vaudeville in the late 1890s. She moved to England in 1904, where she became an important figure in British music hall. According to the National Portrait Gallery, she made her debut as a male impersonator in 1910, eventually becoming famous for performing in male attire and creating her celebrated character Burlington Bertie.
Her signature song, “Burlington Bertie from Bow,” was written for her by her husband William Hargreaves as a parody of Vesta Tilley's earlier “Burlington Bertie.” Shields performed the character in a battered top hat and tails and became one of the best-known male impersonators of the British music hall. She also became associated with songs including “Oh! It's a Lovely War” and “Show Me the Way to Go Home.”
Shields remained active for decades, including international tours. She performed in Australia and New Zealand during the 1920s and 1930s, and was still performing in Britain during the late 1940s and early 1950s. She died in Lancashire in August 1952 shortly after collapsing following a performance.
The reverse bears an interesting theatrical photography stamp reading “IMPERIAL REPRO STUDIOS, J. BELL, 46 MYRTLE ST., LIVERPOOL 7.” This provides useful evidence for placing the production of this photograph around the postwar period.
A particularly nice piece of British music hall and male-impersonation history, with a handwritten signature from one of the most important female male impersonators of the early 20th century.
Very Good vintage condition. Photograph retains its original border and strong overall image quality. There is light age toning, minor surface wear and a faint horizontal crease/line visible across the image, along with some small marks consistent with age. The handwritten autograph and inscription remain clearly legible. Reverse is clean aside from the period Imperial Repro Studios stamp. Please examine all photographs carefully for the condition and details.