Hilda by Duane Bryers
Duane B. “Dick” Bryers (July 2, 1911 – May 30, 2012, Tucson, Arizona) was an American painter, illustrator, and sculptor. In the 21st century, Bryers was rediscovered as the creator of the unconventionally plump pinup girl Hilda, who appeared in calendars from the mid-1950s to 1980s
The 1950s celebrated feminine curves and gave birth to the pin-up drawings and models. They often featured attractive women in suggestive poses, and were intended to be displayed in private homes or workplaces. Pin-up art was seen as a way to boost morale and provide a bit of escapism during a time of great social and political change.
Pin-up art was not without its critics, however. Some people saw it as being too sexually explicit, and others felt that it objectified women. Despite these criticisms, pin-up art remained popular throughout the 1950s and into the early 1960s. It has since experienced a resurgence in popularity, and is now seen as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era.
Created by illustrator Duane Bryers (1911-2012), Hilda was a plus-size girl who was definitely not shy. Not only was she one of the only curvy girls in the pin-up game at the time, but she was also a hilariously clumsy girl that was fun to look at. While she graced America’s calendars from around the 1950s to the 1980s, it was still unusual for such an icon to sport a fuller, rounder physique.
While she was never an actual member of Single Naturists, Hilda is practically our spokesperson – certainly our mascot! We adore her realistic curves and her carefree attitude about her naturist-friendly lifestyle.