George Hoyningen-Huene
This is a collection of research photos from the archives of George Hoyningen-Huene, Joe Pilates’ student and the photographer for Return to Life Through Contrology. These images depict his reformer workout estimated from the late 1930’s-early 1940’s. I first learned of this collection through a comment made by pilates history researcher, Stacy Redfield, in a post on January 11, 2023 when Stacy mentioned her previous research of Huene’s collection at Harvard and suggested that they have a large number of photos from his personal pilates practice there. Thank you, Stacy. Images first shared on 3/13/23.
Here are another two special photos from the archives of George Hoyningen-Huene at Harvard’s Houghton Library. These images are unique in that they depict George using a Bench Mat on the porch of what is believed to be on the front of Joe Pilates’ Berkshires studio, now owned by Sean Gallagher. Images first shared on 3/13/23.
Elaine Malbin
Elaine Malbin appeared in multiple articles demonstrating Contrology with and for Joe. Here is an example of a photo from one of those articles. For my vast research on Elaine Malbin and her work with Joe, and to see most of the articles I have found depicting her, go to Joe Pilates Articles. Image first shared February 18, 2023.
Nedda Casei
Nedda Casei was a famous opera singer of her time, one of Joe Pilates’ star students, and a regular model for articles about the pilates studio and method. Image first shared February 18, 2023.
Related topics: Joseph Pilates Articles
Roberta Peters
This article appeared in Life Magazine and was about Roberta Peters. It depicted her time in the studio with Joseph Pilates as well as a voice lesson with William Herman. Images first shared on 10/15/21.
Pepper Shaker
Pepper Shaker was one of a number of Burlesque performers who frequented Joe’s studio. I love how it says that she goes to her Contrology Class to “sharpen the use of her dynamic tensions.” Image first shared on 2/18/21.
Evelyn Myers
Evelyn Myers was a popular burlesque performer who also modeled for Joe on the V-Bed. He used this photo for advertising his V-Bed invention and it appeared in newspapers. Images first shared on 3/31/21.
Evelyn famously posed in Joe’s V-Bed for this news piece that ran in the papers in the 1930’s. Images first shared on 3/31/21.
Ruth St. Denis
Ruth St. Denis was an American dancer and choreographer, and one of the founders of modern dance. She was also married to Ted Shawn for a period of time, and was one of Joseph Pilates clients. Image first shared on 3/31/21.
Thomas Gomez
Thomas Gomez was a performer and dance teacher. Image first shared on 3/31/21.
Tom Scott and Jorge Bolet
This article mentions two performers who reportedly went to Joe’s studio, Tom Scott and Jorge Bolet. Image first shared on 3/31/21.
Roberta Peters
Roberta Peters is one of the most well known, famous clients of Joseph Pilates, primarily because she appeared in Life Magazine working out with Joe and Clara in the studio. She was also a student of William Herman. Image first shared on 3/31/21.
Jose Ferrer
Popular performer, Jose Ferrer (ex-husband of Rosemary Clooney), was a client of The Pilates Studio and also had a Bednasium in his dressing room on Broadway. This article vaguely alludes to the V-Bed that he had. Image first shared on 3/31/21.
Elinor Ross
Elinor Ross was an opera singer and student of both William Herman and Joseph Pilates. In this article she mentions her time at The Pilates Studio. Images first shared on 3/31/21.
Jean Ellyn
Jean Ellyn was a famous radio voice of the 1940s. She was known for playing the role of a woman who suffered a perilous fate on radio shows of the times. The way I found out about Jean Ellyn was because I purchased a copy of the 1945 edition of Return to Life and there is an inscription inside written to Jean Ellyn from Joseph Pilates. When I researched who she was, I found the following articles. Images first shared on 3/31/21.
