Bruce Of L.A. Photographs,ca
Collection Number: 7665
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library
Title:
Bruce of L.A. Photographs,
ca. 1950-1966.
Collection Number:
7665
Creator:
Michael Berkowitz
Quantity:
257 items.
Forms of Material:
Photographs.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
Abstract:
257 male physique photographs by Bruce Bellas, known as Bruce of L.A., of which 42 are duplicates; plus 7 vintage photographs
from Don Whitman's Western Photography Guild and 1 from Bob Mizer's Athletic Model Guild. There are 171 8x10", 66 5x7", and
28 4x5" prints. Models include Joe d'Allessandro, Ed Fury, Mark Nixon, Don Peters, Keith Stephen, and others. The collection
includes an extended series of Los Angeles' Muscle Beach competition photographs, and sets from particular shootings and on
specific themes such as sailors, cowboys, and Indians.
Language:
Collection material in English
Nicholas Muellner, a scholar on the history of photography, says that "Bruce Bellas (Bruce of LA) is one of the most important
figures in the history of American Male Physique Photography. His photographs were produced for publication in 'physique'
magazines, to document body building competitions and for sale in printed sets to individual enthusiasts. The photographer's
finest work is characterized by exceptional young models depicted in highly stylized poses, costumes and lighting. In the
days preceding legal distribution of male erotica, his photographs were instrumental in defining and refining the aesthetics
of male homoerotic photography in the United States."
257 male physique photographs by Bruce Bellas, known as Bruce of L.A., of which 42 are duplicates; plus 7 vintage photographs
from Don Whitman's Western Photography Guild and 1 from Bob Mizer's Athletic Model Guild. There are 171 8x10", 66 5x7", and
28 4x5" prints. Models include Joe d'Allessandro, Ed Fury, Mark Nixon, Don Peters, Keith Stephen, and others. The collection
includes an extended series of Los Angeles' Muscle Beach competition photographs, and sets from particular shootings and on
specific themes such as sailors, cowboys, and Indians.
Names:
Berkowitz, Michael,
Bruce, of Los Angeles
Athletic Model Guild.
Western Photography Guild.
Subjects:
Photography of men--United States.
Gay erotic art--United States.
Photography, Artistic--United States.
Photography of the nude--United States.
Bodybuilding
Form and Genre Terms:
Photographs.
Cite As:
Bruce of L.A. Photographs, #7665. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
Collecting program: Human Sexuality Collection.
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