This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/20/2021
[PAGE, Bettie (1923-2008)]. -- KLAW, Irving (American, 1910-1966). Collection of 20 photographs of Bettie Page printed from original negatives. Nearly lost to the anti-communist hysteria of the 1950s, these photographs depict the legendary pin-up girl Bettie Page in a variety of poses and in various states of undress. Largest, 4 x 5 ½”. Letter of authenticity from Cult Epics. Nicknamed the “Pin-Up King,” Irving Klaw was a central figure in the pin-up culture of the 1950s, with stars such as Bettie Page and June King among his best-known talents. In addition to photographs Klaw also produced scores of short films which featured striptease acts and various fetish and bondage scenarios. The massive success of his business put him directly in the crosshairs of the Kefauver Hearings of the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency. The stress of these appearances led Klaw to close his business. His sister Paula hid many of his original film negatives away before they could be destroyed and would later create new prints directly from them decades later.