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Bombshell Collection (#4)

"Bombshell: Unveiling the Seductive Secrets of History" In 1949, J. Roussel underwear launched an unforgettable advert that would forever be etched in our minds

Background imageBombshell Collection: Mary Dees

Mary Dees
Mary Ella Dees (1911 2004), American stage and screen actress. Showing Mary Dees, stepping in and finishing the roll played by Jean Harlow, how died that year. Date: 1937

Background imageBombshell Collection: Where The Shells Came From (Sheffield), c1927, (1927). Artist: Reginald Belfield

Where The Shells Came From (Sheffield), c1927, (1927). Artist: Reginald Belfield
Where The Shells Came From (Sheffield), c1927, (1927). From From Landscape To Studio, by Reginald Belfield. [Methuen & Co. Ltd, London, 1927]

Background imageBombshell Collection: On Board H. M. S. Nelson, members of the South African division of the RNVR, 1941

On Board H. M. S. Nelson, members of the South African division of the RNVR, 1941
On Board H.M.S. Nelson, members of the South African division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve with the Fleet are ammunitioning ship with 16-in. shells, 1941

Background imageBombshell Collection: Sari Maritza

Sari Maritza (1910 1987), American actress in 1930s films Date: early 20th century

Background imageBombshell Collection: British soldier writing home next to bombshell, WW1

British soldier writing home next to bombshell, WW1
A British soldier writing a letter home with an unexploded bombshell next to him, on the Western Front during World War One. Date: circa 1916

Background imageBombshell Collection: Advert for J. Roussel underwear 1948

Advert for J. Roussel underwear 1948
A blonde bombshell model wearing the Roussel suspender belt garment, with bullet padding bra. 1948

Background imageBombshell Collection: Bombasina Bombshell cactus

Bombasina Bombshell cactus

Background imageBombshell Collection: Miss Perfection Alias Sandra Storme

Miss Perfection Alias Sandra Storme
Alias Sandra Storme. English dancer and actress. Date: 1937

Background imageBombshell Collection: Britannia and Eve magazine, July 1936

Britannia and Eve magazine, July 1936
Front cover illustration featuring a scantily-clad blonde bombshell, dangerously close to revealing herself even further

Background imageBombshell Collection: Blonde Pin-Up 7 / Colour

Blonde Pin-Up 7 / Colour
Fifties blonde bombshell, in a strapless accordian pleated chemise, kneels, with eyes closed, on pink satin & points her shapely leg at the floor

Background imageBombshell Collection: Blonde Bombshell 1950S

Blonde Bombshell 1950S
Fifties blonde bombshell, posed with her arms behind her head, wears some strategically arranged black velvet which looks like it may fall off at any moment

Background imageBombshell Collection: Glitzy Dress 1950S

Glitzy Dress 1950S
Glitzy blonde bombshell on a leopard skin rug sets the yule logs ablaze in a silver spangly sequined gown, diamante earrings & strappy see-though plastic mules

Background imageBombshell Collection: Blonde Pin-Up 2 / Colour

Blonde Pin-Up 2 / Colour
Fifties blonde bombshell, in a strapless accordian pleated chemise, kneels on pink satin & points her shapely leg at the floor. Her head is tilted backwards

Background imageBombshell Collection: Blonde Pin-Up 5 / Colour

Blonde Pin-Up 5 / Colour
Fifties blonde bombshell, in a strapless accordian pleated chemise, sits side on with one leg tucked beneath her & points the other straight down at the floor

Background imageBombshell Collection: Blonde Pin-Up 6 / Colour

Blonde Pin-Up 6 / Colour
Fifties blonde bombshell, in a strapless accordian pleated chemise, kneels in profile on pink satin

Background imageBombshell Collection: Blonde Pin-Up 4 / Colour

Blonde Pin-Up 4 / Colour
Fifties blonde bombshell, in a strapless accordian pleated chemise, kneels on pink satin & points her shapely leg at the floor

Background imageBombshell Collection: Blonde Pin-Up 3 / Colour

Blonde Pin-Up 3 / Colour
Fifties blonde bombshell, in a strapless accordian pleated chemise, kneels on pink satin & points her shapely leg at the floor

Background imageBombshell Collection: Pin-Up in Red Satin

Pin-Up in Red Satin
Dangerous looking blonde bombshell wearing a red satin wrap-over evening gown with lethally split skirt, leans back provocatively as she shows fishnet stockinged legs




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"Bombshell: Unveiling the Seductive Secrets of History" In 1949, J. Roussel underwear launched an unforgettable advert that would forever be etched in our minds. The captivating face behind this bombshell campaign was none other than Diana Dors, a British actress whose allure knew no bounds. Drawing inspiration from iconic historical moments and artworks, this advertisement aimed to ignite desire and leave a lasting impression. Mary Dees, the creative genius behind the concept, ingeniously weaved together various tantalizing hints to create an alluring narrative. From "The History of Hannibal" tapestry depicting powerful conquests to Odysseus emerging naked before Nausicaa in Homer's epic tale, each hint added layers of sensuality and intrigue. Even Holofernes' lifeless body discovered in Judith's hands found its place among these provocative suggestions. Not shying away from controversial themes, the assassination of Jean Paul Marat during the French Revolution made its mark on this audacious campaign. A bold move that challenged societal norms and pushed boundaries further. Leaping through time and space, another illustration showcased two lovers caught in a passionate embrace amidst picturesque countryside scenery. Randolph Caldecott's fiery young man surprising his beloved perfectly captured the essence of unexpected desire. As if not daring enough already, L'Assiette au Beurre magazine contributed their satirical touch with illustrations highlighting colonization struggles in Africa as well as medical advancements within hospitals - both subjects provoking heated debates at the time. This bombshell advert transcended mere lingerie promotion; it became an artistic masterpiece capturing history's most seductive secrets. It invited viewers to explore their own desires while embracing their inner provocateur – unapologetically celebrating sensuality throughout time. Journeying through centuries past with Diana Dors as our guide, we were reminded that beauty is timeless and passion knows no limits.