Illustrated Pinup

About This Group

During World War II, the Air Force tried to ban them. Banks used them to boost business. Soldiers put them up everywhere and Photographers gave them the kiss of death.

Let’s celebrate that icon of a bygone era…The illustrated pinup. The women of World War II contributed more to the war effort than just Rosie the Riveter: They also gave us the pinup girl. Let’s celebrate these objects of art and healthy imagination that made men’s eyeballs bulge and women’s eyes roll. They were everywhere: military aircraft (nose-cone art), matchbook covers, bomber jackets, postcards, calendars and mini-posters, the latter of which soldiers dutifully pinned up (hence the name) wherever they could find an empty space. And she was extraordinary, if only a fantasy. These pinups, whether Hollywood stars or illustrated figments, reminded the young men what they were fighting for, not against. (This was before women’s lib, ladies.) This is a beautiful tribute to the girls, the GI’s and the country that adored them, and the artists that created them. Our group will be a tribute to these lavish illustrations with idealized visions: big-bosomed, long-legged gals in flyaway skirts, loose buttons, and tight pants, or no pants at all.

Unlike the US Army Air Force who tried unsuccessfully several times to ban the artwork before deciding that it boosted morale. We want to encourage and support the artists who wish to pursue this exciting genre that has adorned the advertising of Bars, banks, restaurants, and grocery stores that featured the girls in their advertisements and on their walls. Often printing companies offered businesses a pinup girl to accompany their logos on matchbooks, calendars, and business cards – pretty much anything they could run through a press.
Often they came with racy captions: “Anxious To Serve”, “Maid To Order”, “just My Thize”, and so on. We look forward to your participation.

See the group rules and join this group here