Rarely-seen photos capture A-list celebrities – including sultry Jayne Mansfield, lounging Diane Von Furstenberg and green-thumb Martha Stewart – over the decades

  • The striking snapshots were taken by photographer Susan Wood
  • Susan’s photographs can be seen in the Laughlin Gallery
  • The exhibition is open to the public until May 25

A new exhibition showcases the striking photographs of celebrities like Gloria Vanderbilt, Martha Stewart and John Lennon and Yoko Ono over four decades.

The stunning images, taken by photographer Susan Wood, have been revealed on Laughlin Gallery in Highland Park, Illinois.

The exhibition features twenty photographs from the period 1950 to 1984 that capture the “essence of an era marked by social unrest and transformation,” according to a press release.

Susan showed off her stunning photography skills in the photos featuring Betsey Johnson showing off her dancing skills, John and Yoko showing off the camera at their smoldering best, and the timeless beauty of Jayne Mansfield.

Other photos also show Julie Newmar, Joan Van Ark, Gloria Steinem, Toni Basil, Diane Von Furstenberg and Gloria Vanderbilt, artist and mother of Anderson Cooper.

The stunning photographs taken by Susan Wood (seen) have been unveiled at the Laughlin Gallery in Highland Park, Illinois

According to the press release, the gallery “invites viewers to reflect on the evolution of culture and identity through the decades.”

Susan is a world-renowned photographer who found her place behind the camera after growing up with a flow of art inspiration around her in her hometown of New York City.

“With a prolific career spanning more than six decades, Wood’s indelible mark on photography is evident in her diverse oeuvre,” the press release said.

The exhibition, Susan Wood: In Time, “provides a glimpse into the profound impact of Wood’s work and invites viewers to reflect on the evolution of culture and identity through the decades.”

‘From the glamor of fashion photography to the raw authenticity of social documentary, her images serve as a poignant reminder of the power of visual storytelling.

‘Laughlin Gallery, curated in collaboration with Jeri Netter Henoch of Elyse Fine Art, celebrates the enduring relevance of Susan Wood’s photographic legacy and reflects on the evolution of culture and identity.’

Her exhibition gives photography enthusiasts the chance to see some of the greatest icons in a different light.

The gallery is open to the public until May 25.

Diane Von Furstenberg was seen in 1979 in a chic blue dress paired with fishnet tights

Diane Von Furstenberg was seen in 1979 in a chic blue dress paired with fishnet tights

Jayne Mansfield (pictured in 1955) shows off her enviable figure and stunning looks in a flowing dress

Jayne Mansfield (pictured in 1955) shows off her enviable figure and stunning looks in a flowing dress

The expressionless John Lennon and Yoko Ono were seen wearing all black in 1969

The expressionless John Lennon and Yoko Ono were seen wearing all black in 1969

John and Yoko again, this time staring at the sky while playing all-black ensembles in 1969

John and Yoko again, this time staring at the sky while playing all-black ensembles in 1969

Actress Julie Newmar seen flaunting her mocking figure in pantyhose and heels as she posed topless in 1977

Actress Julie Newmar seen flaunting her mocking figure in pantyhose and heels as she posed topless in 1977

Martha Stewart was seen showing off her green thumb outside as she donned a simple look in which she wears jeans and a T-shirt

Martha Stewart was seen showing off her green thumb outside as she donned a simple look in which she wears jeans and a T-shirt

Joan Van Ark was seen lounging in the black and white photo, taken in 1962

Joan Van Ark was seen lounging in the black and white photo, taken in 1962

Betsey Johnson demonstrated her dancing skills in 1966

Betsey Johnson demonstrated her dancing skills in 1966

Artist Gloria Vanderbilt was seen holding one of her beautiful paintings in 1976

Artist Gloria Vanderbilt was seen holding one of her beautiful paintings in 1976

Social activist Gloria Steinem was seen donning a pair of jeans with a quirky crop top that showed off her slim figure

Social activist Gloria Steinem was seen donning a pair of jeans with a quirky crop top that showed off her slim figure

Painter David Hockney seen posing next to his pool in 1980 wearing jeans, a green button-down and mismatched sneakers

Painter David Hockney seen posing next to his pool in 1980 wearing jeans, a green button-down and mismatched sneakers

Singer and choreographer Toni Basil shows off her beautiful locks in 1968

Singer and choreographer Toni Basil shows off her beautiful locks in 1968

Bette Midler's loft (seen in 1981), designed with colorful marble countertops and various flowers

Bette Midler’s loft (seen in 1981), designed with colorful marble countertops and various flowers