WERNER BOKELBERG (b.1937)

This greatly enlarged set of 'contacts' of model Uschi Obermaier perfectly explains why this independent-spirited young woman captured the imagination of a generation of young Germans. The picture story by young photographer Werner Bokelberg -- who later achieved considerable recognition as a focused and sensitive collector of fine early photographs -- became the subject of a cover and extended editorial in the leading news magazine Stern in 1969. The feature discussed her life-style as the queen bee in a commune -- surrounded by mesmerised admirers -- and as a political activist at a historic moment of social unrest and protest against the establishment. But it was for her good looks and wayward charm rather than for her liberal convictions that she rapidly became an international poster-girl. She enjoyed a career as model and muse that put her on the cover of countless magazines, including Andy Warhol's Interview.