Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- A. Jay Papers
- Dates:
- 1966-2009
- Creators:
- Jay, A.
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- 1 cubic foot (1 box), 3 oversized boxes
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
A. Jay Papers. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The papers contain original artwork for the gay erotic comic strip "Harry Chess: The Man From A.U.N.T.I.E." and many flyers for which A. Jay's art was used. In addition, the collection contains correspondence with other prominent gay artists such as Tom of Finland, Orsen (Mark Hadden), George Vye, Bill "The Hun," and Emile Norman. There are some photographs and original drawings; and there is some art design work, primarily video covers, for Le Salon. The collection also includes Jack Fritscher's article " 'My Life Was A Drawing Room Comedy...' Al Shapiro, A. Jay, and Harry Chess (The Passing of One of Drummer's First Daddies)."
- Biographical / historical:
-
Allen J. Shapiro, who published his work under the name "A. Jay,” was a prominent gay illustrator and cartoonist of the 1960s, 70s and 80s. He was a successor to Tom of Finland's iconic style and his work featured gay erotic situations. A. Jay is credited with the creation of the first gay comic strip, “The Adventures of Harry Chess: The Man from A.U.N.T.I.E.” which appeared in New York's "Queen's Quarterly" magazine. As the founding Art Editor of the gay leather magazine "Drummer," Shapiro/Jay also gained notoriety for the erotic artwork he created for The Caldron and the Slot Bathhouse in San Francisco, in addition to posters and logos for many other gay bathhouses.
- Acquisition information:
- Donated by Richard Kriegmont, January 5, 2016.
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Prepared:
- 1966-2009
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
UNARRANGED COLLECTION. The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours.
- Terms of access:
-
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
- Preferred citation:
-
A. Jay Papers. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
- Location of this collection:
-
San Francisco Public Library100 Larkin StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102, US
- Contact:
- (415) 557-4567