Painter and teacher, correct name Gordon Barker, he was born in London, the brother of the poet George Barker. He attended Northampton School of Art. In the mid-1940s Barker lived in Cornwall, at Newlyn and near Zennor, before going to America, where from 1949–53 he taught at Skidmore College, New York, and California School of Fine Arts. Many exhibitions included Waddington Galleries and his work is held by extensive collections including Arts Council and public galleries in Aberdeen, Bradford and Eastbourne.