Parliament - American Art Agency

Tip Top, Volume 1, Number 3
American Art Agency, Inc.
North Hollywood, California
1960

digital replica

In the 1950s, Elmer Batters first presented his photographs in magazines he published, such as Black Silk Stockings and Leg-O-Rama. Possibly due to tax issues, those publications were discontinued, and he began working with American Art Agency on a number of magazines that focused on legs and stockings.

Among the best know of his 1960s ventures was Tip Top. The third issue lists Elmer A. Batters as Advisory Editor. His contributions include photographs, letters to Elmer Batters with his replies and SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL LEG PHOTOGRAPHY: Part One. By the curves and architecture they present, it appears that all photographs in this issue showing models in FF nylons were taken by the famous lensman.

In his editorial, Editor Charles Simpson boasts —
“Hello out there! We're pleased to report that the reception you have given Tip Top to date has been wonderful, allowing us to answer vour many requests for a bigger magazine, with more girls, more photos, and the same single-minded emphasis on legs, legs and more legs as in our first two issues. Elmer Batters, who can almost be called the patron saint of leg men, has a little 'I told you so' grin these days, and our publisher, who at the outset had some misgivings that a magazine dedicated solely to legs would catch on, acts as if it was all his idea in the first place. The result, of course, is 80 pages of Tip Top per issue, with a true leg man's full color centerspread. Tip Top remains the only magazine on the newsstands with an honest, sincere devotion to the beauty of the female leg.

“Tip Top is the only magazine in the world with Elmer Batters on hand to represent the interests of America's leg men right on down the line. And if your response to date is any indication of things to come, Tip Top will stay out in front. Let us know what you like about this issue, and what you'd like to see in future issues. We've got some great things planned — many of them as a result of your suggestions — and our policy will always be to please you. Enough words for now . . . let's get on to that fascinating area of pulchritude found only from the tip of the toes to the top of the hose!”

In his Secrets of Leg Photography, the prolific photographer instructs on where to find appropriate models and how to get them to agree to modeling. He codifies the leg line , with a careful inventory of the physiology of limbs and their optimum positioning. He explains the prismatic effects of nylons and his preference for full-fashioned hosiery. He recommends other costume essentials, including garter belts and footwear, with explicit specifications. A scrapbook of lovely limbs in full-fashioned hosiery demonstrates his assertions.

Twelve of the Best from Elmer's Figure File presents models who appeared in Black Silk Stockings magazine. Each is named and accompanying text distinguishes their assets and attitudes. This collection includes Bambi Hamilton, Sally Erikson, Ann Paige, Linda Verne, Sue Marquand, Melody Ward, Caprice (“Elmer's first cover girl”), and Wendy Holliday.

Pictorials show us Shelly Byron outdoors, Nancy Lewis at home, Cynthia Carter in lacy garters, stripper Tiara, Virginia Rogers in an effective white bra, Gia Rossi on a pier, and Shirley Quimby on her toes.

The opening set of Honey Bee was not accomplished by Mr. Batters. While her curve-loaded form delivers opulent femininity, her photographer fails to observe the master's curve line rules.

Mr. Batters shot personality girl Mindy Martin at her workplace, El Rancho cabaret in downtown Los Angeles. In FF stockings, garter belt and panties, she poses on stage with a smile that suggests she enjoys showing off intriguing assets.

An article by Richard Kent answers Why Does She Wear Black Silk Stockings? His speculation includes detailed descriptions of the sensuous tactility of sheathing hosiery, garter straps and other lingerie. Illustrated with small photographs.

Womanly models pose in sheer stockings, either FF or RHT, and most have garter belts, panties and shoes with three-inch heels. As was typical of the product of this publisher, many photos show air-brush high-lights on stockings and other curved volumes of models' bodies.
No sneakers.

Although the original photography was superb, its transition to printed pages obscures some scenes. Tonality was adjusted to present smoothness and clarity of models, rendering some backgrounds rough. Shadows were reduced and many specks retouched.

The 80 pages of the magazine are presented in the original sequence. No page layouts were revised, but some gratuitous borders were excised.

All new scans.

Possibly the first photographer to use the expression leg art, Elmer Batters' long career as photographer and publisher of pinup, cheesecake and fetish imagery earned him international appreciation. Like most creative people, he developed craft and focus throughout his life. In the century after his death, ebooks present his female ideal and unwavering point of view.

One ebook, delivered by download from your 30th Street Graphics account.