Powk (Johnathan) Cockettes Collection, 1970s-2006

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Summary

Title:
Johnathan Powk Cockettes Collection
Dates:
1970s-2006
Creators:
Powk, Johnathan
Abstract:
Johnathan Powk's papers on The Cockettes offer a glimpse into the iconic gender-bending drag troupe's history, featuring photographs, clippings, obituaries, costume designs, correspondence, and audio recordings, ranging from 1970 to 2006.
Extent:
1 small document case (0.25 cubic feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Johnathan Powk Cockettes Collection (GLC 223), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

Johnathan Powk's papers on The Cockettes contain scrapbook pages from the 1980s to the 2000s with photos of the Cockettes from 1972-2002, newspaper clippings about the Cockettes and their members, such as Sylvester James and Peter Mintun, as well as obituaries for notable figures like Kreemah Ritz (Daryl Simmonds), Sylvester James, Pristine Condition (Keith Blanton), John Flowers, and Martin Worman. The box also features costume ideas and sketches for Kreemah Ritz from 1973, a calendar from September to December 1970, correspondence from Daryl Simmonds/Kreemah Ritz to Johnathan Powk from 1971-1972, costume designs for the Cockette Halloween Show in October 1970, additional costume designs, and three cassette tapes labeled "Early Sylvester" (1970s), "For Dee Dee, Love Kreemie, 92," and "Sylvester & Misc."

Biographical / historical:

Johnathan Powk is a San Francisco based artist. From 1972-1977, he was an art director for San Francisco PBS station KQED where he designed graphics and sets for a variety of programs. Also in the 1970s, Powk designed costumes for some performances of The Cockettes, a local experimental theater troupe. He was close friends with Daryl Simmonds, one of the performers, who was also known as Kreemah Ritz.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Johnathan Powk, 2022?
Physical location:
The collection is stored on site.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Prepared by Sarah Mitrani.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-08-27 22:00:24 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is currently UNPROCESSED but available for research during Photo Desk hours. Please contact the Hormel Center archivist for access.

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], Johnathan Powk Cockettes Collection (GLC 223), 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