AOctober 03 1953
Pioneer Photographer Dies 03 Oct 1953, Sat The News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina) Newspapers.com
Pioneer Photographer Dies
Albert Barden, 65, pioneer Raleigh commercial photographer died in Rex Hospital at 6 o'clock last evening after a brief illness.
Mr. Barden went to the hospital a week ago for operative treatment of a kidney condition. Serious complications developed and his condition took a critical turn yesterday.
One of Raleigh's well-known citizens and civic leaders, Mr. Barden won recognition throughout the State for his photographic artistry. For a number of years his photographs of famed North Carolina scenic points attracted wide attention. Numerous Barden pictures appeared on art calendars circulated in the State and in many other states. Several months ago his hand-colored gallery of North Carolina scenery was opened to admiring public display.
Mr. Barden was born in October 21 of 1888 at Tunbridge Wells, England. He came to the United States with his parents, the late Charles H. and Emily Barden, first settling in Hendersonville. He was 18 years of age at the time. In 1907 the Bardens moved to Raleigh to make their home. At first, Mr. Barden and his father were associated with the studios of the late Manly W. Tyree. Later the Bardens—father and son — opened their own studio in the Shepherd Building in association with Joseph C. Ellington, who at the time was operating Ellington's Art Store.
Responding to his love for commercial photography, Mr. Barden soon became a pioneer in that branch of photography in the city and state. He opened his own commercial photography studios in the Shepherd Building more than 25 years ago at 120½ Fayetteville Street.
Mr. Barden did his first work in commercial photography at the age of 15 years when he photographed the late King George and Queen Mary of Great Britain in 1903. At that time he lived in Chichester, Sussex England where he began the study of photography under the tutelage of his father. The picture of King George and Queen Mary taken 50 years ago recently was published in The News and Observer.
Mr. Barden also was a figure in the world of music having been a member of the United States Third Regiment band for many years. He also was a member of the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra.
During World War II Mr Barden volunteered his services and enlisted in the Civil Air Patrol completing an extended tour of duty along the wartime coast of North Carolina.
Mr. Barden also was an ardent chess fan. He and his late father organized the Raleigh Chess Club some 20 years ago. Chess players from all parts of the State were attracted to play in the chess club room in the Shepherd Building.
Taking an active interest in civic and cultural affairs for many years, Mr. Barden was a member of several such groups. He was a veteran member of the Lions Club and served the organization in various official capacities including vice president.
Mr Barden was married to the late Miss Edith Baker who also was a native of England. He made his home at 320 East Edenton St.
Surviving are a brother, George Barden of Neuse; two sisters, Mrs. A. R. Russell of Raleigh and Mrs. C. E. Monroe of Richmond, Va. and several nephews and nieces.
The funeral service will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the chapel of the Mitchell Funeral Home with the Rev. James McDowell Dick, rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood.
