Ménage à trois – or quiet backgammon evening with cheeky spectator, authentic darkroom print from the seventies

“Ménage à Trois – Backgammon Game”

Original signed silver gelatin print by Michael Joseph (circa mid-1980s)
Unique print, mounted and signed on the mat

At first glance, the scene appears discreet and elegant: two men absorbed in a game of backgammon, drinks poured, a refined setting. But on closer inspection—reflected in the mirror—a playful surprise awaits: a naked blonde discreetly entering the composition. A mischievous wink? A comment on appearances? Or simply a bold idea from an art director willing to push boundaries to capture attention?

Created around the same period as the famous banquet shoot, this image perfectly illustrates how far stylists and creatives were prepared to go to spark curiosity—and get people talking about a brand.

A true piece of advertising history, hand-printed in the darkroom and signed by Michael Joseph. A rare blend of humour, staging, and photographic virtuosity—reminding us that in fashion as in art, things are not always what they seem.

🖋 Photographer: Michael Joseph
📍 Location: Chelsea, London
🖼 Image size: approx. 280 mm × 330 mm
📏 Mount size: approx. 400 mm × 500 mm
🖌 Technique: Original silver gelatin print, signed on the mount

📦 Carefully packaged and dispatched with the utmost respect for the value of unique photographic works.