Greta Garbo 1930

The magic of the great Hollywood studios affects the fans beyond theaters.  Their idols pursue the life of the dream factory in their mansions and in public and frequently play their best, wildest and most dramatic roles in reality. It was the job of the paparazzi to document all the ups and downs. The other group of celebrity photographers worked for the film industry and produced celebrity portraits and pin-ups. The majority of these photographers was nameless in the hierarchy of these studios, not especially established and, accordingly, badly compensated. They were given the opportunity to grapple with the allure of stars, directors and producers for the purpose of pleasing all parties involved. The clever Clarence Sinclair Bull (1895-1979), the head of the MGM Studios photography department for over 40 years, succeeded in acquiring for himself a particular reputation for a sensitive handling of the film industry.  He saw the rise and fall of stars, who were cultivated into icons.  Everyone stood before his camera, but on some he bestowed a special glamour. Thanks to Clarence Sinclair Bull, Greta Lovisa Gustafsson became the heavenly Garbo. And she thanked him for it. He became her exclusive photographer, and as her influence in the studios was steadily growing throughout the 30’s, she decreed that no one else would be allowed to photograph her. The result over12 years was 4000 photographs displaying her beauty and transition and embossing her image into film history. When you think about Greta Garbo, you think about her photographer Clarence Sinclair Bull.