Is there value in looking at historical Pilates images?

Photo Credits: Herb Flatow, 1955

Issue #457

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

by Mary Kelly

ABSOLUTELY!

A photo represents a slice of life – it captures an instant in time – a memory, an experience, or a piece of information about a time or place we’ve never been.

Joseph Pilates cared deeply about documenting his method and wanted to share his work far and wide.  A view of the studio at 989 Eight Avenue shows walls full of photos.  Joe was known to share images of himself – both in print and video – with friends and clients. Frankly, with anyone who might listen.

So why do these matter today?

A recent Pilates Intel contribution by Wendy LeBlanc-Arbuckle touched on how we might frame the “classical and contemporary” discussion based on “not a right/wrong approach, but how are we meeting the person where they are.”  The same can be said regarding the value of looking at historical images.  The goal isn’t to confirm or dismiss what we’ve learned in our certification programs or from experiences with clients.  It’s simply to further our understanding of this great method.

Arguably, the greatest value is that photos make us feel something.  Whether it’s Joe pushing a client, or being playful, or smoking a cigar, standing shirtless in front of a Christmas tree, or just flat out showing off – it gives us a glimpse into the persona of the man whose method we teach.  We experience moments of recognition, moments of curiosity, moments of disbelief – but we feel something and this is something we can share – it is OUR history.

Looking at a single photo isn’t necessarily instructive, but there are many rich details such as: What are the spring or gear settings?; what about the original apparatus changed or stayed constant?; what was the demeanor of the studio?; when does Clara appear?; and so many more.  

Joe was far ahead of his time, and there is still much to learn about his method and insights.  Retaining and being able to share historical images and documents not only furthers our collective knowledge but can bring us together as a community of instructors and practitioners.  Sadly, our ability to do so is being threatened. The Pilates trademark lawsuit in 2000 brought the community together and established the right to use the word “Pilates” to describe what we do. Now, the same person who falsely claimed to own the word “Pilates” is claiming copyright to many of the historical images. Same game, new decade.

As many readers of this newsletter are aware, there is a lawsuit currently dragging its way through U.S. Federal Court regarding this copyright dispute.  In response to this lawsuit, the Pilates Transparency Project was created.  Rather than recapping the lawsuit here, I’ll direct you to @pilatestransparencyproject on Instagram where further details and links to pertinent documents can be found. This October 2022 New York Times article: “The Fight For The Soul of Pilates” captures perfectly what is at stake here.  

The Pilates Transparency Project is a fundraiser to cover the legal fees in the copyright lawsuit. This lawsuit should clarify which materials are in the public domain and which (if any) are not.  A positive resolution will benefit our community and allow us to honor Joe.  Litigation is an expensive and time-consuming process, but I feel strongly that this needs to be defended.

In early 2024, a collection of never-before seen photos of Joe Pilates was discovered.  I am privileged to hold the copyright to these photos which are for the exclusive use of the Pilates Transparency Project until the conclusion of the lawsuit.  They will remain my copyright until such time as they can be dedicated to the public domain.  I’ve been sharing them on Instagram and at the same time selling them to cover legal expenses.  The response from the community has been fantastic.

What do we learn from them?

Well, for one, Joe was not shy with his spotting, whereas Clara took a different approach:

He was quite fond of the Breathing exercise on the Cadillac:

No question, Joe was a showman:

Photo Credits: Herb Flatow, 1955

By promoting transparency, I am advocating for proper citation and photo sourcing.  No more wizard behind the curtain claiming to be the great and powerful archival expert.  A positive resolution in this lawsuit will lift a cloud that’s been hanging over the industry.  No one wants to run the risk of copyright infringement, but too many are being forced to self-censor for fear of an Instagram takedown or a takedown of their e-commerce business (I had my business Instagram twice deleted, then I was sued.)

Beyond the dozens of studio owners who have had their social media accounts affected or e-commerce sites shut down, is the shocking attempt to threaten libraries and restrict access to their collections.  All because one man is attempting to co-opt Joe’s legacy and be the prime source of the historical record.  

The history belongs to ALL of us.  

That is what “transparency” and the fight for the very soul of Pilates is all about.  

You can follow the Pilates Transparency Project on Instagram.  Check out the bio link for more resources.  Donations of any amount to the PTP GoFundMe, as well as your purchase of photos from the Herb Flatow collection are greatly appreciated.  100% goes to cover legal expenses.  Also, please share this newsletter with those who may not currently subscribe. 

True Pilates studio in Newton, Massachusetts on Feb. 4, 2018. Photo by Adam Glanzman

Mary is the owner of True Pilates Boston. Her goal is to provide a supportive and challenging environment that honors Joseph Pilates’ intent: “complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.”

Mary is certified by Romana’s Pilates. She is a graduate of the comprehensive Pilates Professional Advanced Teacher Training Program – The Red Thread, as well as the Advanced Contrology Program through Authentic Pilates, The Pilates Studio Portugal. In 2024, she completed the Classical Syllabus, a program designed to apply the Pilates method to individual needs. She regularly attends workshops and conferences to further her appreciation and application of the method. She also holds a BA from Simmons College and an MBA from Boston University.