[Archive] Female Contortionist Photographs

A collection of 200 black and white gelatin silver photographs measuring around 4" x 6", some with captions. Fine. A large collection of photographs of female contortionists in the 1970s. The photos are accompanied by a sheet with numbers that coincide with the photos identifying each performer. The sheet is titled "Photos from Hans Palm" dated April 14, 1972. Most of the photographs feature solo female performers, but a few show them with male performers. Well-known female performers are featured including Vera Cox, Freya Jose, Li Shang, Lorna Chester, Christine Shillaker, Fatima Zohra, Mlle Corola, Diane Benett, Duo Popescu, Lena Derejska, and Laura Guerriera, among others. Laura Guerriera, arguably the most famous artist seen here, is featured in over 100 images. The women are in bikinis and flashy costumes and are seen in various positions showing their skills in the art of contortion. They are photographed on tables smiling with legs over their heads, bent over on the floor, and doing splits. An intriguing archive of photography documenting early 1970s female contortionists.…