Lynn Ludwig Photographs Collection, 1987-2005

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Summary

Creators:
Ludwig, Lynn
Abstract:
Portraits and informal photographs of gay bears, gay bear events, Ludwig family and events, holidays, Northern California scenery and locations. There are some flyers included in the albums, as well as attendance name badges.
Extent:
38 Cubic Feet (44 scrapbooks, circa 200 encapsulated photographs in 3 oversized mss. boxes, negatives in 7 flat boxes, framed portraits in 4 oversized flat boxes)
Language:
Collection materials are in English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Lynn Ludwig Photographs Collection (GLC 65), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The subjects of Ludwig's photographs include gay bear events, gay bears, Ludwig family and events, holiday photographs, Northern California scenery and locations. There are some flyers included in the albums, as well as attendance name badges. In addition, there are sometimes announcements for weddings or anniversary parties, and obituaries and notices for memorial services. Many albums record attendees at bear social events which often include annual contests for Mr. San Francisco Bear, hot tubs, swimming pools, and bars. Many of the swimming photos appear to be taken at Fifes in the Russian River, Guerneville area. Lots of skin, tattoos, and some albums contain nudity.

Ludwig numbered his early photograph albums. He has chosen to keep some of the early numbered albums, such as "Album 1" because it contains family photographs. Consequently, the collection contains 44 albums which begin with Ludwig's "Album 2." There is a note for each album with an original number.

Biographical / historical:

Lynn Ludwig is a gay photographer based in the San Francisco Bay area. His work has centered on documenting the "gay bear" social scene and many gay events such as the Harrison, Folsom and Castro Street fairs and San Francisco Pride parades.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Lynn Ludwig, June 2010. Additions received from Ludwig's sister, December 2020.
Arrangement:

Arranged by format, then chronologically.

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

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.

Terms of access:

Copyright retained by Lynn Ludwig. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Lynn Ludwig Photographs Collection (GLC 65), 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
Website