In 1936, a unique beauty contest was held in England that focused solely on the eyes. The competition, judged by Ernest Heasman, sought to find the six women with the most beautiful eyes in Britain. Photos of the event, taken by Edward Malindine for the Daily Herald newspaper, capture the elegance and charm of the women as they posed with sheets of paper in front of the lower half of their faces. Each woman’s eyes tell a story, revealing their personality, hopes and dreams, and unique perspective on the world. It’s a reminder that beauty is not just about physical appearance but also about the depth and complexity of human experience.
At a time when traditional standards of beauty dominated beauty contests, this competition was a refreshing departure from the norm. It recognized the importance of the eyes in conveying beauty and emotion and celebrated the unique qualities of each woman’s gaze. The competition also reflected the changing attitudes towards women and their societal roles as women began asserting their independence and challenging conventional notions of beauty.
