Cheeky Pool Ladies, Between Takes – Clapham Photograph taken in the 1980s Photographer: Michael Joseph Medium: Original hand-printed warm-toned darkroom photograph Signature: Signed in ink on the mount Mount: Original hand-cut, hand-sprayed period mount Card size: 30 × 24 cm This compelling poolside image by Michael Joseph captures a moment of collective poise and physical tension: a line of women perched at the pool’s edge, bodies curled forward, heels lifted, hands gripping the tiles — each figure held in the same suspended second just before release. Unlike Joseph’s more familiar work — often defined by exuberant crowds, musicians, performers and nightlife — this photograph is quiet, disciplined and inward-looking. The mood is controlled, almost reverential. Bodies fold into one another rhythmically, forming a sculptural procession that carries the eye steadily across the frame. For this series, Joseph consciously drew inspiration from Bill Brandt, particularly Brandt’s treatment of the human form as landscape: compressed, abstracted, and psychologically charged. Here, torsos become arcs, limbs repeat like motifs, and the rigid pool architecture locks the figures into a carefully calibrated geometry. The cool tonal range and stark cropping heighten the sense of concentration and restraint. Yet the image never feels cold. The subjects remain unmistakably human — present, grounded and unidealised. It is precisely this balance between formality and intimacy that gives the photograph its quiet authority. This is an authentic vintage darkroom print, mounted on a home-made, hand-sprayed mount characteristic of Joseph’s working practice during this period. The mount bears visible marks, tonal variation and patina — not flaws, but evidence of process — offering a compelling counterpoint to the precision of the image itself. It is a rare instance where the physical object tells as much of the story as the photograph. The verso retains the original studio label from Michael Joseph Pictures Ltd, Clapham, featuring the photographer’s portrait and address, confirming provenance and period authenticity. This is a work that feels as though it escaped the library: intimate, studio-bound and deeply personal, far removed from the high-gloss mythology often associated with Joseph’s name. A quietly powerful photograph that reveals a lesser-seen, introspective side of a major British photographer. The piece will be carefully packed with great devotion and dispatched promptly, ensuring safe arrival. Offered by the photographer's daughter, with close attention to the preservation and placement of this one-off historical print. Notice to US Purchasers Due to a recent change in US government policy, customs duties are now charged to the sender (i.e., me). The shipping fee has therefore been adjusted to include 50% of the calculated excise charge. In most cases, you will not be asked to pay anything additional. If the government revises these rates after the listing is uploaded, I will contact you before dispatch to confirm any adjustment. Thank you very much for your understanding. #MichaelJoseph #VintageDarkroomPrint #BritishPhotography #1980sPhotography #BillBrandtInfluence #SwimmingPoolSeries #FigurativePhotography #OriginalPhotograph #PhotographicProvenance #CollectorsPhotography #UpcycledFrame #OneOffArtwork