DLNews Staff:

The photographic works of John R. Hamilton have been described as sexy, intimate, and timeless. As one of the 20th century's most prolific photographers, Hamilton is best known for capturing images behind the scenes at more than 70 film sets across the west from the 1940s to 1990s. In 2014, a group of enthusiasts who knew and appreciated John R. Hamilton's work acquired the entire collection from the Hamilton estate to promote and celebrate his body of work and preserve the archive for future generations. Fans of these classic images can learn more about the making of the collection and its impact on American Culture during Modernism Week in Palm Springs at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at the Annenberg Theater.

The presentation, Hollywood Cool: The John R. Hamilton Lost Photography Archive Exposed, features commentary from Amy Shepherd, executive director of the John R. Hamilton Archives; Ethan Wayne, president of John Wayne Enterprises, which acquired a portion of the collection; and Laurie Kratochvil, visual consultant, and former photo editor of Rolling Stone and InStyle magazine.

The John R. Hamilton Lost Archive of rarely or never-seen photographs is one of the most significant collections of Hollywood photography. For over 40 years, Hamilton chronicled some 77 movies, photographed 300 magazine covers, and shot hundreds of commercials – over 100,000 era-defining images of the most iconic celebrities. The long list of leading men and women, musical legends, distinguished film directors, and household names Hamilton photographed reads like a "Who's Who" of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Previously tucked away in obscurity, the photos showcase the film's most legendary faces in an entirely new light. There's a strapping, young Clint Eastwood washing his car, Brigitte Bardot cooling her heels, and steely-eyed Steve McQueen looking right down the lens. Other iconic celebrities included John Wayne, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Ann-Margret, Elvis Presley, Kirk Douglas, Dean Martin, Natalie Wood, and many more.

By now, their images are etched into the celluloid psyche of millions of people across multiple generations. But Hamilton managed to capture a different, more intimate side to these stars, all with a certain sense of raw sex appeal.

Hollywood Cool is a key feature in this year’s Modernism Week, an annual celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion, and culture in Palm Springs. Modernism Week features more than 350 events on Feb. 16-23, 2023.

Tickets for Hollywood Cool are $15 and can be purchased at https://go.modtix.com/f/f23/hollywood-cool?date=2023-02-17