Tom of Finland Drawings, 1962, undated

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Creators:: Tom, of Finland, 1920-1991.
Abstract:
Extent:: 6 items (in 1 oversized folder)
Language:
Preferred citation:: Tom of Finland Drawings. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Scope and content:: The collection contains five original drawings by Tom of Finland. The drawings depict men wearing leather or naval uniforms in erotic situations with other men. One of the drawings is reproduced in “Tom of Finland: retrospective” (Los Angeles: Tom of Finland Foundation, 1989). It also includes a photocopied photograph of Tom Nicoll.
Biographical / historical:: Tuoko Laaksonen (1920-1991), better known as Tom of Finland, was an artist best known for his gay erotic art. His drawings feature hyper-masculine subjects who often wear uniforms or leather. His work was first published by "Physique Pictorial" by Athletic Model Guild in 1957. Tom Nicoll was a London-based physique photographer for the Scott studio. He was also a leading member of the city's leather crowd and, in the summer of 1957, he encouraged Tom of Finland to purchase his first black leather jacket.
Acquisition information:: Donated by Thomas C. Nicoll, June 9, 2015.

Subjects:: Gay erotic art.
Gay men in art.
Leather lifestyle--Pictorial works.
Names:: Nicoll, Thomas C.

Access and use

Restrictions:: Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit. The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours.
Terms of access:: Copyright held by Tom of Finland Foundation, Los Angeles, California.

Preferred citation:: Tom of Finland Drawings. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Location of this collection:: San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

San Francisco Public Library

100 Larkin Street

San Francisco, CA 94102, US