Ian Oliver (New)

Ian Oliver

Ian Oliver, posing stark naked, seated on Royale's familiar 'roundel' prop.

He was one of the studio's early pin-ups with a lean, modestly developed but very shapely physique (note the dramatically tensed abs). His images featured in no less than 6 Royale, magazine adverts during 1958. 

His images were revived by Hussar Photography in 1963.

Little is known about him, the Royale set descriptions don't provide any background information, nor do the magazines that featured his images, save that he was developing his physique with weights. Two of his solo sets show him as a gymnast, so perhaps he was one of Royale's cluster of PE Instructors from the Services (or a team member). His oddly named 'Football Ballet' storyette might mean he was a ballet dancer. His thighs were notably chunky and it was a profession for a man to be discreet about in the'50's (as in Billy Elliot!).

His roles in the two storyettes he appeared in are curious too. In 'The Stolen Motorcycle', not one photo shows him looking at his supposed friend directly and in 'Football Ballet'  he disappears just before the punishments begin.  The words 'prima donna' spring to mind, but I don't know..

Ian Oliver appears in 

 Solo Set IOL1 (1958) 

Posing in pouch and naked with a selection of familiar Royale props 

(see also the headline image above)

The Archive has 8 images attributed to this set

 Solo Set IOL2 (1958)

'Gymnast Ian' posing in tight shorts and basketball shoes
with ball and gym horse

The Archive has 5 of the 12 images in this set

  Solo Set IOL3 (1958)

In gym shorts and white plimsoles

The Archive has 3 of the 20 images in this set

IOL Miscellaneous, mystery solos

Images with confusing attributions and origins,
considered as a footnote to IOL3 (link above)

The Storyettes

The Stolen Motor Cycle  (1958)

Ian and buddy Cliff Smith have their bike stolen

and have to make do with a pedal cycle for a ride in the country

Football Ballet Part 1 (1958)

Ian plays a referee beset by an unruly soccer team. 

After having his shorts torn off he orders them to be punished

in round robin, caning ritual.

Ian does not appear in Part 2