In Praise of the Leaning Board

Rita Hayworth shows off her best features from a leaning board.I cannot believe that it's already December and that the party season is upon us once again! But, this makes it the appropriate time to bring up something that I've been noodling over for ages: the proverbial leaning board. I know it sound strange, but can we bring these back, please? This is an invention every girl can really get behind and I think it's time we brought leaning boards out of their dusty hiding places once again.

Developed in the golden era of Hollywood as a way for stars to rest themselves between takes without ruining their hair, makeup, or costumes, the leaning board was always nearby. Actresses could rest, read, and even get a little bit of food without wrecking themselves. The thing is pure genius, let's face it.

Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) says hello to Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) on her pink moiré leaning board in Singin' in the Rain, 1952.

While I've been at parties in recent months I've often thought that I'd last much longer as a social butterfly if I could rest for just a bit. A leaning board would really help with this: ease your stilettoed feet without sinking into a chair, and keep your entire outfit camera-ready, while still maintaining eye-level with everyone around you. It's the perfect thing!

Margot Grahame discusses her Madame de Winter costume for The Three Musketeers while on a leaning board in 1935.

Leaning boards also have that whiff of a certain sophistication and Diva-ness that commands attention. Even if you aren't a starlet, you can still be one on your leaning board, it's kind of how they roll. In my opinion, if we can't all break into coordinated song-and-dance rountines at the drop of a hat (something I secretly pray for every night), we should at least get some leaning boards here and there. Not only can you rest and refresh, you can pose, have a chat, and display yourself to advantage, which is always what a girl needs.

Joanne Woodward uses her leaning board for a read and a smoke, while on the set of From the Terrace, 1960.

Bars could have a few leaning boards here and there, and suddenly their unpopular dark corners would be full of life and chatter! Fancy galas could have entire spaces devoted to leaning boards so patrons could rest themselves between the fois gras and the dance floor. They could even mention it on the invitation as a featured thing: "Luxury Leaning Boards by Acme Inclines" - they could even offer them in different colors to coordinate with the theme. And don't forget the huge bridal market! Gown designers could add in leaning boards as another line item in the cost of the dress, and the wedding planner would keep it set up in a side room, just so the bride could have a little breather during her reception. Tell me why this is a bad idea.

Jean Harlow checks her script for Dinner at Eight (and keeps her famous charmeuse gown perfect) in 1933.

Dolores Gray defines fabulous and gets a touch up too, all while on her leaning board.

See, everybody wins! Like the leaning board, I think it's revival is a super idea and one whose time has come. It's 2010 everybody, and we're partying harder than ever. So don't we need a little place to lean?

Images from internet searches.

Comments

[Chic and Charming]

This is so perfectly fabulous and at the same time completely random. I had never heard of leaning boards before. I think I need one!