Tom of Finland Drawings
Finding aid created by James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center
2016
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 557-4400
info@sfpl.org
http://sfpl.org/gaylesbian
Title: Tom of Finland Drawings
Dates: 1962, undated
Collection Number: GLC 108
Creator/Collector:
Tom, of Finland, 1920-1991.
Extent: 6 items (in 1 oversized folder)
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: Five drawings by Tom of Finland depicting groups of two, three, and four men in erotic situations that feature leather and
naval uniforms. The collection also includes a photocopied photograph of Tom Nicoll.
Language of Material: English
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours.
Copyright held by Tom of Finland Foundation, Los Angeles, California.
Tom of Finland Drawings. San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center
Donated by Thomas C. Nicoll, June 9, 2015.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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.
Gay erotic art.
Gay men in art.
Leather lifestyle--Pictorial works.
Nicoll, Thomas C.