'Pin-up' girl wearing a bikini and brushing her hair

Executed in watercolour, the work reflects the illustrative style prevalent in post-war advertising. Addey's approach, honed through decades of commercial art, blends precision with the subtle transparency of watercolour, suited for the era's promotional materials.

Created in the late 1940s, this piece coincides with the European debut of the bikini (1947), an item considered shocking at the time. The artwork is part of Addey's extensive output for London advertising firms, including Dorland Advertising and Mitchells.

This work is emblematic of the post-war advertising boom, where such illustrations were used to promote products and ideals. The bikini, a novel and controversial garment, adds a layer of cultural significance, reflecting changing societal norms.

As part of Addey's corpus, the piece contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century advertising art. For further insight into similar works, the Victoria and Albert Museum is a relevant resource.