By Design

In the 1950s marketers looked to educate men and women quite differently when it came to advice about the then burgeoning consumer lifestyle. For men the lure was often pin-up girls inside quite respectable publications such as Popular Photography. Many advertisers believed that by placing the 'hook' of a scantily attired girl in photographic spreads and features many a lawnmower or motor car or particularly male product could be more easily sold. Many advertisers believed that 'a girl in the hand [was] worth five salesmen on the road'.

Guests

Madeleine Hamilton
Historian and author

Producer

Janne Ryan

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