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Details
NEIMAN, LeRoy (b. 1927). Three autograph letters signed ("LeRoy" and "Lee") to Hugh Hefner and A.C. Spectorsky, n.p., 1961-1970. Together 5 1/2 pages, 4to, one with two photocopies, stapled. Regarding various projects for Playboy and Hefner's popularity in Paris.
3 March: Neiman discusses a painting with Hefner: "Without question this angle of yours is best for me to catch a good likeness and attitude. I like the stance because it reflects the original Playboy man as well as for the position of easyness, nonchalance, and assurance."
12 November 1961: "Hef I would like [to] emphasize in case you are not aware, and I have a hunch you haven't given this much thought, that you are a big name on the continent. People refer to you like they do Brando and Sinatra like they've known you all their lives. Can't tell you how wonderful that makes me feel- sort of proud and warmly happy."
While freelancing at a Chicago Department store, LeRoy Neiman met Hugh Hefner, who was a copywriter at the store. They met again a few months after Hefner started Playboy, and Neiman showed Hugh and Art Paul, Playboy's art director, his paintings. They were so impressed that they commissioned Neiman to do illustrations for "Black Country" by Charles Beaumont, thus starting Neiman's longterm association with Playboy and the beginning of a close friendship with Hugh Hefner. For fifteen years, beginning in 1958, Neiman wrote and produced illustrations for a Playboy feature entitled "Man at his Leisure", which depicted scenes al sporting and social events. (3)
3 March: Neiman discusses a painting with Hefner: "Without question this angle of yours is best for me to catch a good likeness and attitude. I like the stance because it reflects the original Playboy man as well as for the position of easyness, nonchalance, and assurance."
12 November 1961: "Hef I would like [to] emphasize in case you are not aware, and I have a hunch you haven't given this much thought, that you are a big name on the continent. People refer to you like they do Brando and Sinatra like they've known you all their lives. Can't tell you how wonderful that makes me feel- sort of proud and warmly happy."
While freelancing at a Chicago Department store, LeRoy Neiman met Hugh Hefner, who was a copywriter at the store. They met again a few months after Hefner started Playboy, and Neiman showed Hugh and Art Paul, Playboy's art director, his paintings. They were so impressed that they commissioned Neiman to do illustrations for "Black Country" by Charles Beaumont, thus starting Neiman's longterm association with Playboy and the beginning of a close friendship with Hugh Hefner. For fifteen years, beginning in 1958, Neiman wrote and produced illustrations for a Playboy feature entitled "Man at his Leisure", which depicted scenes al sporting and social events. (3)