Leonard Laton Collection of Anthony (Tony) J. Sansone Photographs, 1935, 1955, undated

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Summary

Abstract:
The collection contains original photographs and a book featuring figure studies of Anthony (Tony) J. Sansone, a physique model and dancer from New York. A protégé of Charles Atlas, Sansone was a much sought-after model for photographers and artists during the late 1920s and 1930s.
Extent:
2.0 folders (20 photographs + 1 volume)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Leonard Laton Collection of Anthony (Tony) J. Sansone Photographs (GLC 62), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains 20 black and white photographs of Tony Sansone and the book Rhythm. Most of the photographs are nude studies and 10 images are reprinted in Rhythm. One photo is inscribed: "For Leonhard Laton, with every friendly wish, Tony Sansone, 1955."

Biographical / historical:

In July 2009, the Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center received an anonymous donation of 20 black and white photographs and a small book titled Rhythm (Brooklyn, NY: 1935). The photographs and book feature studies of Anthony (Tony) J. Sansone, a physique model and dancer.

The letter accompanying the donation explained that Leonard Laton once owned the book and photographs and gave them to the donor for safe-keeping in the 1950s. Unfortunately, the donor lost track of Laton. Now, decades later, the donor sent the material to the Hormel Center in Laton's name. The donor describes Laton as a German Jewish gay man who "escaped the Nazi holocaust, fled to Canada and then established citizenship in the United States. He was a gentle, intelligent, cultured person, interested in photography, and nature particularly horticulture."

Anthony (Tony) J. Sansone (1905- ) was a model, gym owner, and dancer. He was born in the United States to Ignazio (Charles) Sansone and Paolina (Pauline) Giardina, both immigrants from Sicily. Other family and friends who immigrated included Angelo Siciliano who became well known as Charles Atlas, body builder, circus strongman, and mail-order entrepreneur. Sansone's early life included dancing with Desha and other modern dance troupes, modeling for several artists, and some stage and film acting.

A protégé of Charles Atlas, Sansone was a much sought-after model for photographers and artists during the late 1920s and 1930s. He worked extensively with Edwin Townsend, Achille Volpe and, in later years, worked some with Lon of New York. Townsend and Sansone collaborated on Modern Classics (1929) and Rhythm (1935). The introduction to Rhythm is by the sculptor Arthur Lee and includes photographs of Lee's bronze sculpture of Sansone.

Later Sansone became a gym owner in New York. He married Rita and had two children, Paulina and Anthony, Jr. For his complete biography, see John Massey's American Adonis: Tony Sansone, the first male physique icon (New York: Universe, 2004). Massey's book places Sansone within the context of the burgeoning physical culture of the early 20th century.

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated by an anonymous donor, July 2009.
Arrangement:

There are two folders: one contains photographs in print number order; the other contains the book.

Physical location:
The collection is stored onsite.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research. Please call the San Francisco History Center for hours and information at 415-557-4567.

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:

[Identification of item], Leonard Laton Collection of Anthony (Tony) J. Sansone Photographs (GLC 62), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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