History of Sex Machines 

The history of artificial sexual aids dates back to prehistoric times, with the oldest dildos found in Germany. Ancient Greeks and Romans used phallic objects, while the first true sex machines emerged in the 18th century, disguised as medical devices for treating “hysteria.” Vibrators began with steam-powered models like The Manipulator in 1880, leading to electric versions by the early 1900s. Today, historical devices are preserved in museums, reflecting their evolution. Continue reading History of Sex Machines 

William Seabrook: The Occult Sadist

William Seabrook (1884–1945), occult journalist and BDSM pioneer, ritualized bondage as mystical ecstasy among Surrealists. He commissioned Man Ray’s 1930 Fantasies series, featuring Lee Miller collared by Maison Worth. The infamous 1929 Paris staircase incident chained a submissive for voyeuristic photos. His transcendent sadism legacy persists despite tragic suicide. Continue reading William Seabrook: The Occult Sadist

Bifurcated Girls

In the late Victorian and Edwardian era (1870–1910), a “bifurcated girl” was any woman bold enough to wear divided skirts, bloomers, or the new cycling knickers. One skirt became two legs. One modest silhouette became two scandalous outlines. Society didn’t see fashion; it saw rebellion. A woman who literally split herself was no longer “one” under God and man. She had stepped out of line. … Continue reading Bifurcated Girls

Glamour, Mystery, and the Birth of Stylish Bondage

In 1949, a mysterious model posed for Mr. Steinberg in Newcastle upon Tyne, capturing avant-garde images never collected. Although linked to a local photography shop, Steinberg’s identity remains unknown. The photos, showcasing stylish bondage, emerged in 2010, blending elegance with themes of power and surrender amid post-war Britain’s fashion landscape. Continue reading Glamour, Mystery, and the Birth of Stylish Bondage

Patti Conley 

Patti Conley (c. 1930s–?), known in Willie’s circle as “Pat,” was a Hollywood hopeful with a dancer’s lithe frame and a showgirl’s charisma. An American model who moonlighted in men’s magazines and even starred in burlesque training films like LA School for Strippers (1957). She posed for a number of L.A. photographers, including Peter Gowland, Peter Gowland and Keith Bernard and had worked as a showgirl at the Dunes … Continue reading Patti Conley 

 A Visual History of BDSM in Film Promotion

Imagine The Godfather with Don Corleone bound in silk ropes, or Pulp Fiction’s dancers locked in a steel cage. What happens when the silver screen meets the dark room? From the lurid grindhouse prints of the 1960s to today’s glossy streaming thumbnails, BDSM imagery has long been a visual shorthand for transgressive desire. Film titles and promotional posters act as cultural signposts, instantly communicating a … Continue reading  A Visual History of BDSM in Film Promotion

History of Nuns, Monks, and Spanking

Today I’m exploring a surprisingly persistent yet taboo fascination: the erotic allure of nuns and monks both delivering and receiving spankings. Far from being a purely contemporary fetish, this motif threads through centuries of religious discipline, provocative art, and whispered convent anecdotes. I’ll draw on archival accounts of corporal punishment within monastic communities, Victorian‑era erotica, and a selection of historic artworks—including pieces from the Spanking … Continue reading History of Nuns, Monks, and Spanking

Inspired Edges

Artists have long turned to the works of others as a springboard for their own creations, a practice rooted in admiration, study, and reinterpretation. In the context of vintage BDSM art, this often involved drawing inspiration from photographs or sketches by peers, such as adapting poses, compositions, or themes to suit a personal style. This approach allowed artists to hone their craft, explore new techniques, … Continue reading Inspired Edges

Mystical Power Plays

Orientalism and BDSM: A Fusion of Fantasy and Power In art history, literature, and cultural studies, Orientalism describes how Western writers, designers, and artists imitated or depicted aspects of the ‘Eastern’ world—spanning the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. This lens was steeped in romance and mysticism, projecting power, sensuality, and exoticism onto these cultures. Edward Saïd’s groundbreaking book Orientalism (1978) revealed how this Western … Continue reading Mystical Power Plays