Monumental:

Over the years of working on FH, there are images of the nude male form that can be described as iconic.  Sculptures like Michelangelo's David and Edmé Bouchardon's Endormi. (Sleeping Faun) pictured above and below.  As we moved into the 19th century, the visuals were usually photographs from early chroniclers of the male physique. As time goes on, and images are easier to both take and share, it's increasingly more challenging for work penetrate through and obtain the the status of 'iconic'.

A few years ago, I started a file folder titled, Monumental.  The purpose, to save images of monumental moments of male nudity.  Images that pushed beyond just lovers of the male form and slid into the mainstream.  In many cases, it was because the image itself was visually outstanding.  In other cases, it was because the image captured a moment or cultural milestone that provoked or stimulated the masses.  

Earlier this year, I began to assemble those images into a piece for the site.  I got a little overwhelmed by the research, and the amount of images that I'd collected.  I ended up doing a theme post titled 'Alone in the Crowd.'  It included images from the 'Monumental' file, as well as other images featuring a single nude male in a clothed crowd.   I certainly didn't use all of the images in the file folder, so today wanted to share the others that have been sitting there for so long.

To see more of the images from my 'Monumental' folder, head on over to the NEXT PAGE HERE:

One of the first images is that of Andy Wade.  Wade is thought to have been Britain's first male stripper.  His 1974 performance at Dudley's Saltwells Inn is thought to have been the basis for Ladies' Night, one of the most instantly recognisable paintings by novelty artist Beryl Cook.  The image of Andy was taken by Graham Dudley, a former regional press photographer who was working at the time for the Express and Star.  The image, ended up going 1974's 'viral', appearing in newspapers and magazines around the globe.

'When I took the picture there were just me and Andy among all those women, and it got a bit frisky. There are some great expressions on the faces of the women and along with the atmosphere made it a winning shot.'