Tom of Finland Handwritten and Signed Letter, Purchasing Erotic Gay Art Prints

Description

Tuoko Laaksonen (1920-1991), under the name Tom of Finland, was a Finnish artist known for his highly masculine and stylized homoerotic art as well as his influence on late 20th century gay culture. He produced thousands of illustrations largely involving muscular men with exaggerated assets wearing tight clothing, presented as a contrast to the early stereotypes of the gay man as effeminate. This letter, handwritten on a 8 1/2" x 11" paper, was corresponding with a man regarding the quality of a limited edition reproduction lithograph of The Sauna; he mentions the best reproduction of any of his drawings is the color litho of A Man and His Boot, then goes on to suggest prints of original drawings, "with a bit wilder themes," he has available for sale that may more align with the purchaser's tastes. The following page shows these available prints and prices with handwritten notes marking the older art from the 60s, uncensored. Also included is a set of 3 pages removed from a Drummer magazine and stapled together with an interview with Tom of Finland. The letter is in excellent condition, stored in a sleeve over the years; some graphite smudges are present on the paper possibly from Tom, with some light corner creases/folds. Please see photos for further information on condition and content, and check out our shop for more from this unique estate, including Tom of Finland books, t-shirt, mugs, and magnets!
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