Laurence Woodford

This is Plate 17, Back Study, from Laurence Woodford's book, Physical Idealism and the Art 

of Posing.  Mr. Woodford was an early 20th Century physical culturist and model, a few of whose 

photos I had come across over the years.  Our resident life model, David, delighted 

me by purchasing a copy of the book and sharing it with me and my viewers, 

expanding my collection tenfold.  Thank you, David!

 

Laurence Woodford Day

Our resident life model, David, and I have corresponded privately for some time now, and he recently let me know about Physical Idealism and the Art of Posing by Laurence Woodford.  Having posted a few stray photos of Mr. Woodford over the years, I vaguely knew who he was.  I did not, however, know that he had written and posed for this amazing book.  David purchased a copy of it on line and generously shared the photos therein.  I am delighted to present the first of several full series from this excellent work.  Knowing David, he has probably already incorporated some of Mr. Woodford's posing methods into his professional life.  Thanks a million, David!

 

The Archer, No. 2

This is The Archer (No. 2), and it shows the near perfection 

of Laurence Woodford's body from behind.

 

Balance Achieved

This one not only demonstrates Mr. Woodford's well 

shaped body, but also shows some athleticism.

 

The Javelin Cast

The Javelin Cast is one of those "hood ornament" photos I like so much.

 

An Action Study

Mr. Woodford published this as "An Action Study."  

His excellent musculature really shines here.

 

The Vigil

I really like the lighting in The Vigil.

 

Autumn Sadness

Even without seeing Mr. Woodford's face, Autumn Sadness is evocative.

 

Fig leaf

Above we have Mr. Woodford posing as Menokem, aka Menoekeus, the son of Kreon.

Below, one of two versions of the bronze by Alexander J. Leslie.  You'll probably

notice that Mr. Woodford required a much larger fig leaf than the sculpture.

 

The Sentinel

The use of a modern rifle in The Sentinel was a bit of a surprise.

 

Woodsman

This is Plate 18, The Woodsman.  It is shown as "Original," leaving me wondering if there was another version.  Meanwhile, some of you may notice how well he fills that posing strap.

 

Familiar?

If this final one looks familiar to you regular viewers, that's because I posted 

it a few months ago without knowing that it was Laurence Woodford.

Many thanks again to David Life Model for sharing these photos!