David Hurles (born 1944) is better known as Old Reliable, a photographer who managed to far exceed his one-time mentor Bob Mizer in terms of bad boy models. In fact, Mr. Hurles specialized in jailbirds, rough trade, street toughs, hustlers, and other "lowlife" types. His career lasted from about 1975 to the early 1990s when an eye injury and the advent of the internet put an end to his success. I haven't featured his work until now for two reasons. First, I generally have a cutoff date of 1975 for my blog, but I've made exceptions before. Second, he required his models to produce erections for the camera, and I don't post material with those. I did manage to find some photos I could use, though. At last report (about three weeks ago) Mr. Hurles was a popular resident of a state sponsored nursing home in LA. I'm using his San Francisco mugshot because somehow it seems appropriate.
I enjoyed this series ... surprisingly. I think there may be a mainstream movie in the adventures of David Hurles' life.
ReplyDeleteForgive me for yet again going back to my first-ever correspondence to you, but I still think the (in)famous plaid sofa which appeared in so many of his films and photos ought to have been gifted to The Smithsonian Institute. lol lol
ReplyDeleteThey probably have even stranger things than that. The Smithsonian has warehouses full of stuff in the DC suburbs that the public never sees.
DeleteSo what you're saying is that possibly, they do have it! lol
DeleteOr here's another scenario. Someone found it discarded on the street in West Hollywood, took it home, realized what it was, then brought it into Antiques Roadshow!! lol lol
I'd love to see that AR episode. They'd probably have to disinfect it first.
Deletestate sponsored nursing home, as in prison?-Dee Exx
ReplyDeleteNo, a normal nursing home. Well, as normal as it could be with David Hurles in there.
DeleteI was never a fan of his work mainly because of his choice of models. Not the type you would want to take home to mother! Lol. But I give him credit he was relentless in his pursuits. Lucky to still be around to tell the story. John Waters has been after him to get it all on tape.
ReplyDeleteJohn Waters and David Hurles are kindred spirits if ever there were any.
DeleteHurles looked pretty good when young, he should write a bio. I read he had it pretty rough in LA in the 80s and 90s, lots of drugs around. One thing I never did was the drug scene, too many ruined lives.....:)
ReplyDeleteSome of the friends I see him with on line should help him write a memoire.
DeleteJohn Waters and Hurles, that would be a real return to Water's roots in filmmaking. -Dee Exx
ReplyDeleteYeah, who could forget Pink Flamingos.
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