Student shines light on British burlesque

A photography student is looking to change popular misconceptions about the British burlesque scene through her work which can be viewed as part of Staffordshire University’s Art and Design show.

Having recently changed her surname by Deed Poll to her stage name, Lauren Cherryfox has become increasingly involved with the British burlesque scene over the past four years, after being inspired by 1950s pin-up Bettie Page.

The 26-year-old, who lives in Stoke-on-Trent, has introduced a regular burlesque night at a Burton-on-Trent pub, as well as performing, singing, dancing, making costumes and taking photographs.

Her passion for photography prompted her to join the University’s BA(Hons) Photography degree in 2005 and she is among those set to graduate next month.

Her study of Burlesque entitled ‘strange and beautiful’ forms part of the annual Art and Design show Irresistible 2009  and at the show’s opening, Lauren was singled out at one of two winners of the prestigious Scarr-Hall Memorial Trust award.

She said: “I started with a completely different idea but it was thwarted by logistical problems. Eventually it dawned on me to produce a study of burlesque, which never occurred to me to begin with.”

She said although people are generally interested in the idea of burlesque, there is also a  belief that it is just “posh stripping”.

“What we do in the UK has a lot more to it than people expect,” she said. “It’s more about the show – it’s got anything and everything, including a compere/comedian, singing and bands, acting and circus performances – it’s not just about stripping and showing skin.

“When I say that to people they’re often surprised because they don’t realise the variety involved. It is an artistic endeavour and its popularity is growing across the Midlands, especially in Birmingham and it’s pretty big in Manchester too.”

As a member of a burlesque community group, Ministry of Burlesque, Cherryfox has contacts with enthusiasts and professionals around the country, 17 of which feature in her graduate show at Staffordshire University.

She said: “Over the course of four years it has become more and more a part of my life.”

And she is currently in the process of publishing two books about the British burlesque scene; one containing her photographs of burlesque artists; and the other about the British scene, the performances and the performers. Both are entitled Strange and Beautiful Burlesque.

She added: “I loved the photography course. My lecturers, the technicians, the students, they’ve all been so supportive.I started not knowing a lot about the technical and critical side of photography and through their help and support I’ve really been able to excel.”

Cherryfox’s work will be on display until the close of the show, on Saturday, June 13. Her work, and the work of other Staffordshire University photographers, will be showing at London’s Association of Photographers (AOP) gallery, from June 23-26.