Barnett was born on 24 December 1909, and studied medicine at University College Hospital Medical School London, qualifying in 1932, and obtained his Fellowship in 1937. He decided to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology, becoming MRCOG in 1942 and FRCOG in 1956. He went to Shropshire as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist on the advent of the NHS and soon became senior gynaecologist. After retiring from the hospital service at 65 he entered general practice, becoming a partner in a practice in Oswestry. His association with the town went back many years because of his involvement with Oswestry and District Hospital, the local cottage hospital. He remained in general practice for some ten years before retiring but did locums until he was 80. As he relinquished his medical work he started a new career dealing in pictures and antiques with his wife; he continued with this until his death. He was examiner to the Central Midwives' Board and the Royal College of Nursing. Vivian Barnett was probably the only doctor in Britain who had a merit award as a consultant and a seniority award as a general practitioner. He was a bon viveur, a great entertainer, and a raconteur of some repute. He was particularly interested in china and pictures and was a bridge player of considerable skill. He died on 25 November 1993, survived by his wife, Margaret, and two children, Julia and Lawrence.