Lynn Brown Papers
Finding aid created by James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
2021
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
http://sfpl.org/sfhistory
Title: Lynn Brown Papers
Dates: 1955-2011 (bulk 1970-2000)
Collection Number: GLC 140
Creator/Collector:
Brown, Lynn.
Extent: 12 cubic feet (in various sized boxes).
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: Photo albums, personal journals, correspondence, manuscripts, artwork, and slides.
Language of Material: English
The collection is unprocessed. Contact Hormel LGBTQIA Center archivist for more information.
Copyright and literary rights transferred to SFPL, 2021.
Lynn Brown Papers. San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
Donated by Lynn Brown, August 14, 2015. Additions received, 2019.
Biography/Administrative History
Lynn Brown was a lesbian photographer, artist, writer, and performer. She lived in Detroit, Miami, and New York, and she moved
to San Francisco in 1967. She was a member of the Sutter Street (later, Friends of Perfection) Commune and was involved with
the publication of its Kaliflower newsletter, and other activities. Later she moved out of the commune to live with friends
who were members of the Angels of Light free theater troupe. Brown worked for the theater regularly and joined them in some
performances. Brown died in Marin County, California, on March 22, 2021.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection contains photo albums, personal journals, correspondence, manuscripts, artwork, and slides. The earliest items
are letters between Lynn and her mother (1955-2011). The bulk of the material dates from the 1970s and later when she lived
in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was a member of the Sutter Street commune (Kaliflower), and her collection includes a few
oral history interviews with other commune members. Brown was active in many artistic pursuits—photography and writing among
them. There are many journals, a memoir, and much writing done with the group OWL (Older Writers League). Brown’s photographs
include a variety of subjects such as nature, portraits, performances, and performers. Notable among the performers are the
Angels of Light, Tuxedo Moon, Esmerelda, and Winston Tong.
Gay theater--California--San Francisco--History--20th century.
Gays--California--San Francisco--Social life and customs--20th century--Photograph collections.
Communal living--California--San Francisco Bay Area.
Photography.
Brown, Lynn--Archives.
Angels of light (Theater group).
Sutter Street Commune.
Journals.
Memoirs.