As you noticed, it is infrequent to see any images of UK models exposed to front nudity. Even if you look at them, the pubic area is erased.
This was a common practice in glamour and erotica publications as showing the pubic area (or not) was the limit between “glamour” and pornography.
After the publication of this set, Guy introduced the question:
This amateur model was photographed by my Dad in the late 50s/early 60s. Anyone know why models seemed invariably to be shaved during this period? If it’s to do with the UK’s obscenity laws at the time, you’d think being shaved was more graphic.
Guy
The answers, of course, came promptly for other members of VEF:
I believe it’s because the pubic area had to be whited out for publication by hand using a white liquid product like Snopake. Even a single pube couldn’t be shown in UK magazines so models made it easier for the photographer and publishers by shaving, as most poses would hide the vulva completely.
No such prudery in continental magazines but it was a different time lol (hammersmith199)
Similar prudishness for Japan still to this day. Hence the mosaic effect over most pubic areas in Japanese print media and video. (Guy)
Another way to clear the area is by adding (paint) using graphite or ink.
Example of adding (red) ink: (Copyright "Estudio Luisita" - Argentina)
These posts were created thanks to Guy, the son of one of the club’s founder members, who found some photos in the darkroom in his father’s loft.
Read the first post here: The North Finchley Camera Club
