Pinup as we know it today is radically different to its humble origins which can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century, a time when sexuality was both scrutinized and suppressed. For instance a woman showing a bare ankle was considered risqué and the word "sex" itself was not even used publicly. 

As people find a way around even the most stringent of rules and the desire for images of an erotic nature was overcome by the birth of portraying scantily clad ladies as an art form. As art such images were deemed acceptable by the society of the time and many of these early drawings and illustrations that are considered the roots of the pinup genre used imagery of the burlesque striptease routines as their starting point. 

Additionally magazines such as 'The Police Gazette' illustrated stories of murder and mayhem by showing the leading ladies in various states of undress, which was considered to be completely legitimate by the general populous as they were considered newsworthy.

The 1920's

During the 1920's society began to rebel against the repression of the previous decades with the energetic dancing, partying and fashions such as flap skirts that showed more leg than ever before.

The names of many pin up girls are familiar to everyone. In the 1920s, none are more famous than Mary Pickford, Josephine Baker, Gloria Swanson and of course Mae West.

Mary Pickford was the deminutive star of silent film in the 1920s. Her notability, unlike other pin up girls, became her symbol of sweetness and innocence. She wore ringlet curls which made her look young and sweet.

Gloria Swanson hit her pin up prime during the 1920s. Her silent films were elaborate productions of fur, feathers, and incredible period costume pieces. Known for her fashion and style, she was an icon of the 1920s.

Josephine Baker was famous for her nude photographs and sex appeal. She is one of the first black women to become famous in the burlesque world with both a black and white audience. She is also one of the most substantial influences of pin up photography. Her, among other pin up stars, were the first women to show a lot of skin.

If Josephine Baker ushered in a new age of pin up girl, Mae West made it flourish. At age 38 she became one of the sexiest women on film and was well known for her ample figure. The subject of song, music and a new modern take on women, Mae West indirectly gave rise to Betty Grable's fame in the 1940's, in my opinion.

The 1930's

The 1940's
However it was the 1940's and World War II that really saw pinup art explode into the phenomenon we know today. There wasn't a G.I. who didn't have a painting of his favorite movie star such as Rita Hayworth or Bettie Grable on his locker door or stuffed somewhere in his kitbag so that he could be reminded of home during the long hours spent away from his family and loved ones. Add to that the girls so painstakingly painted on to the side of military aircraft in order to bring them luck on their numerous missions and it was easy to see that pinup art had found a footing in mainstream society. Post WWII artists such as Elvgren emerged as failing magazines and publishers tried to woo the public with risqué imagery. By this time the original artwork from the more popular artists was becoming much sought after by certain collectors and it was finally accepted that pinup had a place in the art world which was somewhat ironic considering it's origins.

The 1940's and 1950's

All Photography and Editing work that you see on this page is done by Hanah Reed (Owner and Sole Proprietor of "The RockIt Roost" and "Cheeky Wink Photography").

The RockIt Roost and Cheeky Wink Photography are both located in Silverdale, Wa. You can contact Hanah Reed to ask questions or to schedule a consultation at the following Phone No. 360-908-8291