John Willie
John Willie | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Alexander Scott Coutts 9 December 1902 |
| Died | 5 August 1962 (aged 59) Guernsey, British Isles |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | Sweet Gwendoline, Publisher of the first 20 issues of Bizarre magazine (1946-1956). |
John Alexander Scott Coutts (9 December 1902 – 5 August 1962), better known by the pseudonym John Willie, was an artist, fetish photographer, cartoonist, specialty shoe designer, and the publisher and editor of the first 20 issues of the fetish magazine Bizarre between 1946 and 1956, featuring his characters Sweet Gwendoline and Sir Dystic d'Arcy. Though distributed underground, Bizarre magazine had a far-reaching impact on later fetish-themed publications and experienced a resurgence in popularity, along with fetish model Bettie Page, beginning in the 1970s. As noted in John Willie: The Story of John Alexander Scott Coutts, Richard Pérez Seves's definitive biography:
"In the realm of 20th-century underground art, John Willie stands as a singular figure whose meticulous artistry and imaginative vision redefined fetish as both a creative and cultural force. More than just an 'erotic artist,' Willie’s work blended fantasy and humor with a refined style that elevated his art beyond mere titillation."