With the easing of lockdown measures now coming into place, commercial galleries are finally re-opening, so it is great news to hear that Henry Miller, the London art dealer specialising in the male form, is showing again at the Coningsby Gallery from 19 to 25 April for his first exhibition of 2021.
Henry is once again showcasing the best of his collection which includes work by Michael Leonard, Patrick Procktor and David Hockney amongst others including paintings, drawings, prints and photography from the 19th century to the present day.
Physique Pictorial, Spring 1957
To complement the show, Henry has added a selection of vintage books and magazines curated especially for the exhibition, including some rare Physique Pictorials from the 1950’s and 60’s with covers by Tom of Finland, one of which, the iconic Spring 1957 issue where he is credited only as “Tom, an artist who lives in Finland’, is believed to have officially launched his international career.
Physique Model, Studio Arax, c.1940’s
It is interesting to look at Tom’s illustrations next to those earlier art deco photographs by Edwin F Townsend and the beefcake shots of Studio Arax, taken decades earlier, and seeing the similarities in both ideal bodies and poses.
Leon Noll by Edwin F Townsend, 1929
Edwin F Townsend, America’s leading physique photographer of the 1920’s and 30’s was most famous for his collaborations with famous models such as Leon Noll and Tony Sansone.
Physique Pictorial, August 1963
Gregor Arax was one of France’s greatest physique photographers who worked with most elite bodybuilders from the 1930’s to the 60’s. Both of their work will feature in Henry Miller’s current exhibition.
Physique Model, Studio Arax, c.1940’s
Henry Miller Fine Art – Focusing on the Male Form – is at the Coningsby Gallery, 30 Tottenham Street, London W1T 4RJ from 19 to 25 April.
Details and catalogues from https://www.henrymillerfineart.co.uk/
Physique Pictorial, February 1965
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