Love on the Left Bank

Ed van der Elsken, one of the lesser known documentary photographers, likely to have greatly inspired the likes of Nan Goldin and Larry Clark, turned his camera to family, friends and those that crossed his path. His first and arguably best publication entitled "Love on the left bank" (Een liefdesgeschiedenis in Saint-Germain-des-Prés) remains as fresh today as it was in 1956.

The muse Vali Myers immortalised in the streets and bars of a bohemian Paris could easily feature in an up-to-date issue of Vogue. An Australian artist by nature, she also interestingly enough was the tattooist responsible for the lightning bolt (in honor of Crazy Horse) on Patti Smith's knee. Timeless stuff.