Between the Covers

Hardcover. A collection of 28 black and white professional photographs measuring between 5" x 7" and 8" x 10", with typed captions. All items about near fine with some edgewear.

An archive of press photographs depicting stewardesses between the 1940s and 1970s. The images show women working for Pan American, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines, among others. Most have typed captions on the verso, many on airline stationary. The women are seen modeling new uniforms, learning how to do their hair and makeup, participating in evacuation training, posed abroad planes, and serving food. Many of the captions describe uniform regulations and options for uniform variants including colors and footwear. Beauty and appearance is a focal point in many of the photos. One image reads, “beauty advisor gives Billy Naylor pointers on how to twist arms and shoulders for a trim neckline” and shows a woman being twisted into a position for the best posture for a stewardess. Another photo reads, “charm and grace are the emphasized requisites for meeting airline passengers” and shows hostesses attending to some passengers. Other images show the interior of new planes with “luxury” features including a ladies “charm room.” A caption explaining the interior reads, “each of the main compartments can be quickly converted into four roomy berths for overnight travel. A pleasing color scheme and new fabrics add to the luxurious effect and make the travelers thoroughly at home.”

A modest but interesting collection of images following airline hostesses and stewardesses over three decades.

Item #438576