 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2019) |
Irving Klaw | |
|---|---|
 Teaserama film poster | |
| Born | November 9, 1910 New York City, US |
| Died | September 3, 1966 (aged 55) |
| Occupation | Erotic photographer |
| Years active | 1938–1964 |
| Known for | Merchandising fetish art, burlesque photography, and fetish films; patron of illustrative fetish artists Eric Stanton, Gene Bilbrew |
Irving Klaw (November 9, 1910 – September 3, 1966), self-named the "Pin-up King",[1] was an influential American merchant of sexploitation, fetish, and Hollywood glamour pin-up photographs and films. Like his predecessor, Charles Guyette,[2] who was also a merchant of fetish-themed photographs, Klaw was not a photographer,[3] but a merchandiser of fetish art imagery and films.[4] His great contribution to the world was to commission fetish art (with models like Bettie Page, June King, Joan Rydell, Jackie Miller, et al.) and sponsor illustrative artists (like Eric Stanton, Gene Bilbrew, and many others), and to indirectly promote the legacy of Charles Guyette and John Willie.[5] Irving Klaw is a central figure in what fetish art historian Richard Pérez Seves has designated as the "Bizarre Underground," the pre-1970 fetish art years.[6]
- ^ Pérez Seves, Eric Stanton & the History of the Bizarre Underground, p. 28.
- ^ J.B. Rund, The Adventures of Sweet Gwendoline (Second Edition, Revised & Enlarged) New York: Bélier Press, 1999. p. 92.
- ^ "Charles Guyette: fetish pioneer who influenced Klaw, Willie & Burtman" The Fetishistas 25 August 2017
- ^ Pérez Seves, Eric Stanton & the History of the Bizarre Underground, pp. 44,71.
- ^ Pérez Seves, Eric Stanton & the History of the Bizarre Underground, p. 207.
- ^ Pérez Seves, Eric Stanton & the History of the Bizarre Underground, p. 9.