On 9th September 1959, Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield had the honour of switching on Blackpool’s world-famous Illuminations. Pictured here at the event, Mansfield stands at the centre, flanked by Ted Hill, the leader of the boilermakers’ union (left), and W.J. Carron, the president of the engineers’ union. Behind them is Morgan Phillips, the secretary of the Socialist party. This glamorous moment was part of the Trades Union Congress celebration, and Mansfield, with her iconic image, was the perfect figure to mark the occasion.
Mansfield and her husband went to enjoy themselves at Blackpool’s beach but caused a controversy. A ‘Baby Row’ erupted when Mansfield’s husband, actor Mickey Hargitay, had their eight-month-old son, Mickey Jr., with them at the ceremony. The baby was photographed held aloft amidst the flashing camera bulbs, which led to concerns from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Inspector Frank Sever was reported to have made a formal inquiry to his headquarters in London, stating that no child so young should be involved in such a publicity stunt. Despite the criticism, the Illuminations ceremony proceeded, with Mansfield’s star power only adding to the allure of Blackpool’s iconic light display. The photograph capturing her and the union leaders is a lasting image of the 1959 event, with the controversy surrounding the baby momentarily overshadowing the glamour of the evening.
You can see Jayne Mansfield switching on the lights in this video.
© Keystone Pictures USA/ZUMAPRESS through Alamy
