False start – framed darkroom photograph, from an original photo by Michael Joseph

FALSE START — POOL LADIES, FRAMED DARKROOM PRINT

After an original photograph by Michael Joseph

Original photograph: London, 1987
Pool Ladies series, photographed for Playboy
Silver gelatin darkroom print made from a photograph of the vintage poster
Framed and ready to hang

False Start belongs to Michael Joseph’s celebrated Pool Ladies series, photographed in London in 1987 for Playboy.

In this playful, graphic composition, a group of swimmers waits at the poolside while one solitary figure appears to have started too soon — hence the title False Start. Deep blue-green tones, dramatic shadows and reflections give the image an almost cinematic quality.

This silver gelatin darkroom print was created from a photograph of the original vintage False Start poster, giving it a distinctive character somewhere between photographic print, archive and vintage artwork.

Michael Joseph later discussed the Pool Ladies shoot in an interview for Playboy TV, providing a first-hand account of the series.

Presented in a vintage silver-toned frame with a dark mount, ready to hang. The reverse includes handwritten details identifying the work, together with a vintage Michael Joseph Pictures Ltd label featuring a portrait of the photographer.

Before checkout, discover the other works in the “Goody Box” Collection.

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