Fullarton - Shaw

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Some Thoughts and Words From Tocofan

Following the Helen Baxter post, which linked to Helen’s newly added homepage, tocofan made a comment that Fullarton was not, in fact, Helen's photographer. Over the last couple of days, he has taken the time to expand on his thoughts that there were two Scottish photographers. At the bottom of this post, I have inserted the links to previous Fullarton posts and J.B. Fullarton’s homepage. So, read below what tocofan has to say, and let us know what you think. Your comments are very welcome.

Some Thoughts and Words From Tocofan

Following my comment attached to the Helen Baxter post refuting the statement that J B Fullarton was the photographer (and by association of all the Scottish girls), I have been asked to amplify my reasoning. 

I was fortunate enough many years ago to acquire a few of the "file copies" of Spick, Span and Beautiful Britons from the Vintage Magazine Shop in Soho (not cheaply it has to be said!). These were the copies retained by the publishers and marked up with the names of the contributors to be paid.

As you see from the accompanying scans, there is the name of J B Fullarton in red ink by the picture of Sandra McPherson (and incidentally by Betty McBride down by the beach and Pat Laird in front of the same wallpaper as Sandra in the same issue), while by the photo of Jacqueline Blair in a very different room in a later publication is the attribution to a certain Shaw.

This to me says unequivocally that there were two Scottish snappers, not one. 

There is also no disputing Fullarton's interiors and choice of locations bore no resemblance to that of Shaw's. By the same token, the likes of Anne Scott, Ruth Cavendish, Jane Paul, Ros Stuart et al from the "Shaw period", including Helen Baxter, were photographed nowhere near Fullarton's more humble distinctive interior decoration on the Ayrshire coast, while the cream of J B's crop -- Sandra, Janette Goodman, the McGregor sisters, Helen Candlish, Jackie Leyton, Diane McCall, to name but a sprinkling -- were never seen in the kitchen, drawing room, landing, bathroom, bedroom and garage of the familiar detached house in a wealthy suburb of Glasgow (where the neighbourhood was occasionally visible through an upstairs window).

There were notable variances in technical proficiency too. And Shaw seemingly encouraged his models to reveal more than Fullarton did right from the get-go, obliged by the likes of Jane Rennie, Susan Ashford, Anne and Ruth behind the scenes, and Ros, but not it would appear Jane. Furthermore, Fullarton did not restrict his output just to Town and Country Publications, as this scan of his muse Janet Neill (un-named) in the February 1957 issue of Fiesta (some five years before Shaw came on the scene) reveals. 

How Fullarton gave way to Shaw I cannot illuminate. It also does seem extraordinary that one Scottish lensman should follow so quickly on the heels of another, both sourcing a bevy of local lovelies all happy to flash their stocking tops for a single stable of girlie mags. As Staples for whatever reason was reluctant to credit his photographers, perhaps it's therefore not surprising the contributions were assumed to be the work of a single individual from the same part of the world and not two.

Tocofan

Julie Marsden

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Layered Nylons?

This intriguing picture features Julie Marsden, who appeared in just four magazines for Toco. However, this particular image seems to deviate from her usual sets. A closer look reveals an unconventional choice of undergarments, with what appears to be flesh-coloured tights underneath black stockings, and possibly no knickers or alternatively she is wearing see-through knickers with the waist band of her suspender belt under her knickers. The fashion of wearing knickers over tights was more prevalent in the late 1960s and 70s, a stark contrast to today's style of wearing knickers under tights. The concept of layered nylons seems to have a historical precedent, as seen in the case of Diane Clarke in Spick 178, who also sported stockings over tights. Special thanks to Tocofan for sharing this unique photograph. Please keep them coming!

Helen Milligan

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Helen Milligan - Ruinous Fun

Another superb unpublished picture of Helen Milligan from the Field Day set of pictures used in Beautiful Britons No. 118, September 1965. Helen is seen having fun in a dilapidated old building on what appears to be a typical grey, cold English day. This particular picture, taken from a contact sheet, had a pen strike across it, presumably indicating that it was not to be used. I believe it is a great picture; Helen looks lovely with her hair beautifully pinned up. Thanks to Tocofan, for providing the picture.

Joan Glover

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Joan Glover - Anyone For Tennis

Joan Glover only appeared three times for ToCo, twice in Beautiful Britons books No. 109 and 123, both from the same photo session. Joan made her debut for ToCo in Span No. 112, December 1963, in a set titled "No Difference," where she is depicted having fun in the countryside with a random selection of sports equipment—typical of ToCo's randomness. Unfortunately, this picture was never chosen for publication. Joan certainly possessed a stunning figure; it is regrettable that we did not see more of her for reasons that may remain unknown. We must appreciate the small glimpses we have. Many thanks to Tocofan for this nice contribution.

Maggie McCully

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Maggie McCully – Back Office Beauty

Another great picture from Tocofan, I think taken from a contact sheet. Maggie McCully is standing on what must be, by now, that infamous back office ToCo table that has been seen so many times in their magazines. Maggie has a slightly odd expression, which is possibly why it was never selected to be published. However, she certainly has a fantastic pair of legs hidden under that very typical style of dress that she seemed to favour so much.

Jane Paul

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Jane Paul - Looking Right At You

Something to cheer everyone up a little on a wet Wednesday afternoon. Another Tocofan treat, Jane Paul perched on what looks to be a kitchen worktop, taken from a contact sheet. It was interesting to see the comments that yesterday's Nicola Taylor picture provoked, and I am going to say it again that Jane Paul would definitely not be in my top ten of ToCo girls. However, I know that there are some real fans of Jane out there who would disagree with me. So, without stating the obvious, what is so special about her? She doesn’t really smile enough for me.

Nicola Taylor

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Nicola Taylor – Looking Great

I personally am not a great fan of Nicola Taylor, but she is a popular ToCo model. This picture is courtesy of Tocofan, taken from a contact sheet, and I am not sure if it was ever published. It is, however, a very nice picture of her looking relaxed and natural as she kneels on a rug in a secluded countryside spot or a garden.

Helen Milligan

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Helen Milligan

Great picture of the very lovely Helen Milligan that was not published but taken from a set of pictures that were used twice. The original set was used in Beautiful Britons No. 118 (September 1965) entitled Field Day, with the remainder of the pictures being used in Spick No. 265 (December 1975) with that set entitled Oh You're Looking Good. This picture was not used in either set. The negative had a pen strike through it, which I have removed.

Very typical of Helen with the frilly petticoat that she was seen wearing in many pictures. Many thanks again to Tocofan for providing the negative.

Jane Paul

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Jane Paul

Great picture of Jane Paul looking like she has spotted something in the distance that might interrupt the photo session. I'm not sure if this picture was ever published in a magazine, but please let us all know if you have any information contradicting that. Many thanks to Tocofan for contributing this picture.