Tuesday, February 28, 2012

From the Ledger of Ladies


Three pages from an old 1890s scrapbook I found off Charing Cross Road about a decade ago. It's actually an ancient ledger book with blue lined pages. Never scanned any of its pages until this week, though I'd often thought of doing so. Every leaf in it has been collaged with pictures of turn-of-the-century female music hall stars. No idea who put it together: nor can I decide if it is the work of a man or a woman. But he or she is strikingly fond of plump ladies in tights with legs fully revealed. A strange ribaldry everywhere afoot.



























Monday, February 27, 2012

Street Photography At Its Best


The father: like one of those Dallas lawmen who accompanied the handcuffed Oswald when he was shot on camera by Jack Ruby. This guy looks considerably happier, though--not so shocked by new developments.

The kid: Victory over Japan. Let's put on favorite stretchy little bathing suit with booties.

The ma: something has grabbed me round the hips from behind and it isn't my husband.

Let's all play Fawn.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Pill and Peanut Dancing

This came as unsolicited freebie from a Dutch postcard dealer I've sometimes bought things from. The pill's legs and feet are my favorite element.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Der Erlkönig



"I love thee, I'm charm'd by thy beauty, dear boy!
And if thou'rt unwilling, then force I'll employ."
"My father, my father, he seizes me fast,
Full sorely the Erl-King has hurt me at last."

Friday, February 17, 2012

Almost Perfect

Came across this 1930s (?) sign in New York last month. Find the letter spacing at once inept and fascinating. Also: the plumping distortion of the 'm', 'n', and 'y' in the word 'money.' Where would one purchase such a ticket?

Friday, February 10, 2012

Monstrous Shadows Come & Go

Marvelous poem: I ask myself the same question every day. Something to do with getting a permanent. I am teaching an arse-kicker lecture class at the moment; hence recent deltiological absence.