Model in playsuit aboard ship

Photographer Gervaise Churchill Purcell (1919-1999)

Date1957

Object numberANMS1405[360]

NameNegative

MediumCellulose (nitrate or acetate) negative, monochrome

DimensionsOverall: 162 × 108 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Leigh Purcell

Terms

DescriptionBlack and white negative taken by commercial photographer Gervaise Purcell showing a woman wearing a sailor style high waisted short plysuit and wedges. This photograph was originally contained in an envelope labelled: Playsuits / 90.HistoryPurcell was responsible for all aspects of the fashion shoot from photography to selecting the props, locations and hiring the models. In the 1950s he used a Graflex Crown Graphic camera and flash gun mounted on a tripod which took large format sheet film. While on location only two or three exposures could be taken of each swimsuit as film stock was vulnerable to damage by the elements. After the shoot the images would be proofed and retouched if necessary for the client to make their final selection.SignificanceThese negatives were taken by Gervaise Purcell (1919 - 1999) from the 1940s to the 1960s. He worked as a commercial photographer for the Monte Luke Studio in Sydney before opening his own studio in 1952. His images of swimwear for clients including swimwear manufactures such as Jantzen and retailers David Jones and Hordern Bros, blended modernity with Australian beach culture, carefree leisure and a touch of luxury.