Who painted 'Pin-up' wearing a purple bikini and smoking a cigarette?

'Pin-up' wearing a purple bikini and smoking a cigarette was painted by Wilfrid R. Addey in 1944.

Where can I see 'Pin-up' wearing a purple bikini and smoking a cigarette?

'Pin-up' wearing a purple bikini and smoking a cigarette is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is 'Pin-up' wearing a purple bikini and smoking a cigarette?

'Pin-up' wearing a purple bikini and smoking a cigarette is associated with Art Brut.

Artwork

'Pin-up' wearing a purple bikini and smoking a cigarette

Wilfrid R. Addey , 1944

'Pin-up' wearing a purple bikini and smoking a cigarette is a watercolor work on paper by the Art Brut artist Wilfrid R. Addey. It dates from 1944 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour by Wilfrid R.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour by Wilfrid R. Addey depicts a pin-up girl kneeling on the floor, wearing a purple bikini and smoking a cigarette.

Subject & Meaning

The pin-up girl is shown with her back to the viewer, turning to look over her shoulder. She holds a telephone and a letter signed with six kisses, suggesting a playful, flirtatious scene.

Technique & Style

The figure's elongated body, thin eyebrows, and defined lips are characteristic of 1940s illustration style. Addey's work exemplifies the visual language of post-war commercial art.

Context

Created during the late 1940s, this work reflects the emerging popularity of the bikini, first introduced in Europe in 1947. Addey's illustration style was influenced by the advertising boom of this period.

History & Provenance

Wilfrid R. Addey worked as a commercial artist for over sixty years, primarily for London advertising firms such as Dorland and Mitchells.

Artist & collection

Artist

Wilfrid R. Addey

Wilfrid R. Addey made spare, ink-and-watercolor snapshots of mid-century America. His sheet shows a late-1940s pin-up in a purple bikini with a lit cigarette, quick lines catching the pose and the glow of a club lamp.…