Chairs

This set begins with an unknown blonde rough-trade type whose mustache and body hair make me think of a David Hurles discovery, and closes with a backside shot of Bob Duffy. 

Along the way you'll find familiar faces like Bill Cable ("Stoner"), Lloyd Beardsley, and Ernie Langeberg, seated, reclining, straddling, and occasionally ignoring the intended purpose of the furniture altogether.

Chairs show up everywhere in domestic photography because they show up everywhere in domestic life. Dining chairs, office chairs, armchairs, overstuffed chairs—every room seems to have one. They also come loaded with meaning. 

"Take a seat." "Pull up a chair." "Make yourself at home." Usually those invitations are followed by a drink and a conversation. In these photographs, the models often take the invitation to its logical conclusion and make themselves very comfortable indeed.

What I enjoy about chair shots is their variety. Some feel casual, others regal. A chair can turn a model into a guest relaxing in someone's home or a king seated on his throne. 

Depending on the angle, it can also direct your attention exactly where the photographer wants it. Physique photographers clearly understood this. Chairs aren't just furniture in these images. They're props, stages, and occasionally accomplices.

1. Unknown blonde model with an awesome mustache reclining on a brown arm chair.

Along the way you'll find familiar faces like Bill Cable ("Stoner"), Lloyd Beardsley, and Ernie Langeberg, seated, reclining, straddling, and occasionally ignoring the intended purpose of the furniture altogether.

2. Boby Duffy sitting in a gold amchair in the exact way it was designed.

3. Connor in a reclining director's-style chair in an interesting close-up.

Chairs show up everywhere in domestic photography because they show up everywhere in domestic life. Dining chairs, office chairs, armchairs, overstuffed chairs—every room seems to have one. They also come loaded with meaning. 

4. Ed Bianco reclining in a leather arm chair with a cigarette and copious bush.

5. Jerry Martel leaning back into a wooden chair in front of a fireplace.

"Take a seat." "Pull up a chair." "Make yourself at home." Usually those invitations are followed by a drink and a conversation. In these photographs, the models often take the invitation to its logical conclusion and make themselves very comfortable indeed.

6. Richard Miller in a wooden chair on what looks like a soft mat or bean bag. What's going on here?

7. Ernie Langeberg, 1970's Playgirl model reclining on a wooden arm chair.  A source in VintageMuscleMen who uses initials hsc said, "Ernie Langeberg was from Den Helder in the Netherlands; his older brother was NBA basketball player Swen Nater."

What I enjoy about chair shots is their variety. Some feel casual, others regal. A chair can turn a model into a guest relaxing in someone's home or a king seated on his throne. 

8. Lloyd Beardsley, the super handsome Colt model with body hair in all the right places caught mid-laugh in striking window light.

9. Unknown model with a bottle of bear and flat top hair cut reclineing on a padded wooden chair with his eyes shut.  This is not the best photo quality, but I still love it.  The radiator, rug side table, and strong shadows on the floor and wall make a strong composition.  Also the daddy is hot!

Depending on the angle, it can also direct your attention exactly where the photographer wants it. Physique photographers clearly understood this. Chairs aren't just furniture in these images. They're props, stages, and occasionally accomplices.

10. Bill Cable aka Stoner bushy hair and bearded Colt model reclining on a padded arm chair looking right into the camera.

Please leave thoughts, questions, or corrections in the comments.  If you can ID #1 or #9, please share.