Description:S.F. (Sydney) Barnes was born in Smethwick, Staffordshire in 1873 and died in Chadsmoor, Staffordshire in 1967. He was described by Wisden as the world's greatest bowler. Even though he was a regular player for England, he continued playing for Staffordshire throughout his career. For England, he took 189 wickets at an average of 16.43 between 1901 and 1914.
This photograph is believed to have been taken during Barnes' spell as professional with Porthill Park Cricket Club, Wolstanton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, 1906-1914. He retired from cricket while playing for Stone Cricket Club and coaching at Alleyne's Grammar School in 1940, when he was 67. He then worked for Staffordshire County Council as a copperplate writer until he was well over 90.