Antonio Sotomayor Papers
Finding aid created by San Francisco History Center staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
2023
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
http://sfpl.org/sfhistory
Title: Antonio Sotomayor Papers
Dates: 1920s-1988
Collection Number: SFH 682
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 1 carton, 1 document case, 11 oversized flat folders, 1 matted pastel.
Online items available
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: Correspondence, artwork, photographs, and subject files of Bolivian-born artist Antonio Sotomayor, who lived and worked in
San Francisco for most of his life.
Language of Material: English
Collection is partially processed and available for research use.
[Identification of item]. Antonio Sotomayor Papers. Collection Number: SFH 682. San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco
History Center
Donated by Antonio Sotomayor, his wife Grace Sotomayor, and their friend Bob Durden, in the 1980s (some pieces have the date
received). The books donated by Grace are cataloged and available through the Book Arts and Special Collections department.
Biography/Administrative History
Antonio Sotomayor was an artist. He was born in Bolivia in 1904 and came to San Francisco in 1923. Primarily known for his
murals and paintings, Sotomayor was also an illustrator, caricaturist, designer, ceramicist, and educator. His work covered
a broad spectrum from ballet set and costume design to book illustrations to painting and it was widely exhibited. He became
known as the popular "artist laureate" of San Francisco where he lived with his wife, Grace. Antonio, also called Tony or
Soto, was a member of the Bohemian Club and The Family Club, and designed or participated in the clubs' productions. He died
on February 10, 1985 in San Francisco.
Scope and Content of Collection
The papers contain correspondence, original and printed artwork, photographs, subject files, and realia. Of note are designs
for the Palace Hotel (including dishware), costume designs for the San Francisco Ballet production of "Con Amore" (1960),
set designs for the ballet "Emperor Norton I" (1957), and illustrations for Grison's, Trader Vic's, and other local businesses
and events. Original artwork also includes caricatures and Christmas cards. Photographs include early images taken in Bolivia
(1920s), and later shots of Sotomayor at work in the Palace Hotel, with members of The Family (including Diego Rivera and
Timothy Pflueger), and as a member of the Arts Commission, among others.