“After Hours” – The Vintage Photography of Bradford J. Smith – Comes Home – Literally — To Brookside Tonight
Editor’s Note: With all the whoop-dee-doo of a Saratoga season, this one might be under your radar, but it is not to be missed. I had the pleasure of being introduced to Bradford J. Smith, a few years ago by Gallery owner and Saratoga Springs Arts Commission member Susan Rivers. Jauntily dressed in his Navy Captain’s hat, at age 90 with his mind still sharp as a tack, the great photographer told story after story of a bygone era – captured beautifully and tastefully in classic Harper’s Bazaar and/or film noir style by Bradford and his colleagues. Long before Hugh Hefner had a clue – there was ‘Mr. Smith Goes to NYC’.
Like many who lived a life well-lived, there are facets of Bradford Smith’s life that are delightfully surprising, including his connection to Saratoga County. See below for details.
But let me make this clear: Unless you have plans to give birth or something similar this evening, change your plans and do not miss this one night only, once-in-a-lifetime event. – AG
BALLSTON SPA – Tonight at 7 p m, the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa will present After Hours at Brookside – a celebration of Bradford J. Smith’s vintage photography – and a chance to step back in time to the glamorous heyday of Madison Avenue “Mad” Men.
Bradford J. Smith (1925–2016) was a photographer for over 75 years. During his long and varied career, Bradford amassed a multitude of stunning photographs. However, none were more compelling than his work as a fashion photographer in NYC in the ‘40s and ‘50s.
– By day, taking fashion photos for Harper’s Bazaar.
– By night, nude portraits of aspiring actresses.
After years of living the fast life, Brad left his Madison Avenue studio, returned to his beloved upstate New York and purchased a home in Ballston Spa. That very home is now the Saratoga County Historical Society’s Brookside Museum and, very fittingly, the site of the After Hours Soiree tonight. Brookside is located in the heart of Ballston Spa at 6 Charlton Street.
For the first, and only time, a selection of over 50 of Bradford’s original vintage fashion and vintage nude prints will be on display and available for purchase with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Saratoga County Historical Society.
Brenda Dentinger, Bradford’s daughter is carrying out her father’s dream to share his work with the world. She explains: “These are originals that Brad had safely hidden away for over 50 years.” She explained. “Most of these vintage prints have never been displayed and the fashion and nude work have never been shown together. My father loved to share his stories with people and I am delighted to honor his memory in this creative way.”
Among Bradford’s After Hours models was a young Lauren “Betty” Bacall. Sadly, that is a photo you won’t see in the collection as it was bought back by irate husband Humphrey Bogart.
Fortunately, there were many other young ingénues that were immortalized by Bradford’s lens that you will soon have the opportunity to view. At the After Hours at Brookside Soiree, Brookside will be transformed, attendees will have the chance to step back in time and the opportunity to own a piece of this historic collection before it is auctioned by Heritage Auction House in New York City in October.
After Hours at Brookside will also feature a runway room with Bradford’s vintage fashion photography, and a curtained off area where his nude portraits will be discreetly displayed. Revelers will be entertained by Chanteuse Jeanine Ouderkirk and enjoy exquisite light fare provided by Lily and the Rose.
Tickets to the After Hours at Brookside Soiree are $50. VIP tickets are $150 and offer entry into the Soiree, the opportunity for pre-sale purchase of prints and a copy of the newly published companion After Hours book. A link for reservations appears at the end of this post.
At this once-in-a-lifetime event, set in an atmosphere evoking a long gone era, attendees will be able to purchase Bradford Smith’s vintage prints in a silent auction format. Each of these pieces was taken over fifty years ago, was printed within a year of being shot, and comes with a notarized certificate of authentication.
According to John A. Staszyn, Appraisers Association of America, “The photographs by Bradford Smith contain many of the same qualities of the Conde Nast photographers. The composition, lighting, posing and quality of the prints reflect the positive, creative and alluring aspects of some of Conde Nast’s best known photographers.”
Audra Herman, Board Member of the Brookside Museum noted “We are happy to partner in this unique endeavor to bring awareness of Bradford’s work and raise money for the Brookside Museum to take care of the building that Bradford called home.”
To make reservations, view a video of Bradford and more information, visit this website
