Roy Blakey

Roy Blakey (1930–2024) was an American photographer and archivist whose work focused on theatrical performance, figure skating, and queer representation. A former professional ice skater, Blakey brought a performer’s insight to his photographic practice, capturing backstage scenes, stage glamour, and the expressive bodies of dancers, actors, and athletes. His vast archive, known as the IceStage Archive, preserves a rich visual history of 20th-century ice shows and entertainment culture. Blakey’s photographs are noted for their elegance, intimacy, and celebration of individuality. His work remains a vital resource for scholars and artists exploring the intersections of performance, identity, and spectacle.