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Don Whitman Western Studio Guild
DON WHITMAN WESTERN PHOTOGRAPHY GUILD of Physique Model PAT BURNHAM - 1948

1940s

$425
£322.65
€369.05
CA$593.79
A$660.42
CHF 344.85
MX$8,036.61
NOK 4,404.27
SEK 4,130.43
DKK 2,754.33
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About the Item

Original vintage 1948 photograph by DON WHITMAN - Western Photography Guild - of popular Physique Model PAT BURNHAM. This is an early original gelatin silver print from the forefront of the 'beefcake' post-war photography movement. Photograph is in excellent condition with "Western Photography Guild Box 2801 Denver, Colo." printed in blue ink on the verso. "Super Finish" is also printed on verso as this was the premium light sepia finished offered. Whitman captures Burnham in one of his signature outdoor natural Colorado settings in the iconic posing strap that defines the limitations of legal male nudity during the post WW II years (late 1940s & 1950s) when a restrictive moral code and heightened fear of homosexuality dominated American politics. Photographer Don Whitman (1917-1998) established Western Photography Guild, a physique photography studio, in Denver, Colorado in 1947. Specializing in male physique photography and becoming a master of outdoor photography with the Colorado landscape as a natural backdrop, Don and his Western Photography Guild remained active for the next 50 years. Don found much success in the 1950s as interest in physique photography grew and he established his place alongside Bruce Bellas (Bruce of LA) and Douglas Julleff (Doug of Detroit) the best in the "beefcake" photography world. All three photographer are now recognized for the sophistication, artistic and technical expertise they brought to an important, then underground, art form and for their enormous contributions to the advancement of mid-20th Century gay liberation. This is an vintage black and white original gelatin silver print circa 1948. It is not a reproduction or 2nd edition printing. Photograph is printed on double weight very light textured photographic paper with the premium "Super Finish". Photographs measure 3 3/4 inches x 4 3/4 inches which includes a 1/16 inch white boarder. The photograph is from a collection previously owned by the late Broadway and Hollywood costume designer Noel Taylor.
  • Creator:
    Don Whitman Western Studio Guild (1917 - 1998, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1940s
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)Width: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Depth: 0.07 in (1.78 mm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Glenford, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: Western Photography Guild Pat Burnham 1948 1stDibs: LU2458215210382

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