Theodore Ward Barrow

Theodore Ward Barrow, also known as Ted Barrow, is an American art historian, writer, professor, skateboarding critic, social media persona, lecturer, and skateboarder.

Creative practice

This Old Ledge Barrow hosts, researches, and produces a series of videos on Thrasher Magazine's Youtube Channel, titled This Old Ledge, that explore the built and cultural history of past and present skate spots. Unlike other videos, that list tricks chronologically, This Old Ledge considers architectural and urban history as factors that impact the history of skateboarding, illustrated by archival photos and video clips.

Feedback TS Barrow ran a satirical Instagram account about skateboarding and culture, @feedback_ts. Feedback TS was no longer accepting clips but has returned to his critiques, also posting on his stories about works of art.

In 2019, Barrow released a zine, titled "Man Proposes God Disposes," and a guest deck both with StrangeLove skateboards.

On skateparks One avenue of Barrow's critical discourse analyzes the changing use of skateparks, highlighting a generational shift between skateboarders raised on the pre-built terrain of skateparks and those raised before the proliferation of skateparks.

Public speaking In 2019, the Brooklyn Patch reached out to Barrow for his opinions on the Tompkins Square Park turfing controversy. Also in 2019, Barrow spoke at the Pushing Boarder conference in Malmö during the Tech Will Save Us panel. Additionally, Barrow moderated a panel titled: What We Do is Secret: The Challenge of Writing about Skateboarding, at the 2018 Pushing Boarders conference held in London.

Teaching career Barrow has taught at Baruch, City College, the College of Staten Island, Brooklyn College, Cooper Union, and Barnard Pre-College.