Barrie was born in Kent in 1941. He studied at St Martins School of Art and after travelling extensively, he became a theatre designer in Canterbury and then eventually an actor.

He returned to painting about 20 years ago and has had a number of solo exhibitions in London, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Dublin.

Past solo exhibitions in the South East include:

Lynne Strover Gallery, Cambridge
Old Fire Engine House, Ely
John Russell Gallery, Ipswich
Peter Pears Gallery, Aldeburgh
Simon Carter Gallery, Woodbridge

His work has been included in:

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Singer and Friedlander Watercolour Exhibition