Mike Ridgeway (Updated)

Mike Ridgeway, physique model for Royale Studio and Dolphin Photography (later called Hussar)  

Mike Ridgeway for Royale Studio

Mike Ridgeway's career spans the interesting period in which Hussar broke away from Royale Studio. He first posed for Royale Studio in June 1960. In August 1961, Hussar re-launched him as their model (in Adonis 14), using an old Royale photograph, but reversing it (possibly an attempt to differentiate themselves). However, Royale continued to market images of Mike (in Fizeek 15, Nov '61). In between this rivalry, Mike posed for Dolphin Photography, the transitional studio that became Hussar (1961). 

Mike's magazine appearances were scanty and provide no information about his background. However, his only storyette appearance is a significant one - in 'Leather Merchants'. This was one of Dolphin's launch sets. It's unambiguous focus on leather fetish was a marked departure from Royale's cautious dabbling with the subject and in retrospect seems like a precursor to the innovative, later work of 'Guys in Uniform' Physique Studio (c.1975). 

 

Royale Studio Clothing Advertising Hand Out Card ca.1960

Mike Ridgeway's pouch (and chunky thighs, I guess) also got him into a Royale Studio clothing ad, alongside such luminaries as Cliff Smith (1), Fred Collins (2) and Brian Morris (3). I haven't established who the fellow pouch-wearer in 5 is, possibly Tibor Noszgay. Mike's appearance alongside Cliff, here, is significant in the context of their collaboration on 'Leather Merchants'

Mike Ridgway's Appearances 

   Solo set in pouch (1960) 

   for Royale
   (Subsequently claimed by Hussar)

   3 images 

  

 

   

   Leather Merchants (1961)

   for Dolphin Photography (later Hussar)
   Mike is seen clad head to toe in leather
   with Cliff Smith and Barry Stevens