Tom of Finland

From left: Durk Dehner, Tom of Finland; photo: Jim Wigler

Tom of Finland (1920-1991) was an artist whose stylised erotic images became icons of Gay culture in the late 20th century. His art remains popular all over the world to this day.

We spoke to Durk Dehner and Richard Villani of Tom of Finland Foundation, to find out more about the man himself and his legacy.

Total Tattoo: Who was Tom of Finland? Can you give us a brief biography?

Tom of Finland Foundation: Sure. Tom grew up in Kaarina, in southwest Finland. He was from a cultured, middle-class family, and both his parents taught at the local grammar school, so theirs was a house full of books, music and art. During the Second World War, in his early 20s, Tom served in an anti-aircraft unit in Helsinki (and had his first sexual encounters with men in uniform during the blackouts…), then after the War he worked as a commercial artist in the advertising industry. He was a popular café pianist too. In 1953 he met Veli, the man who would be his partner for the next 28 years. Veli sadly died in 1981.

TT: When did Tom start to become known for his erotic art?

ToFF: In 1956 he submitted some of his drawings – hitherto produced only for his own private enjoyment – to the American magazine Physique Pictorial. He signed them ‘Tom’ to simplify his name for the American readership and also (because attitudes were so different in the 1950s) to guard his anonymity. His drawings appeared in the Spring 1957 issue, with one of them, depicting lumberjacks, featured on the front cover. They went down a storm.

And that’s how he became Tom of Finland. His art gradually became more widely known, and then with a series of exhibitions in America in the late 70s he shot to international fame… and the rest, as they say, is history.

TT: Tell us about Tom of Finland Foundation.

ToFF: Tom and Durk set up the Foundation in 1984, so we will be celebrating our 40th anniversary this year. We’re a nonprofit organisation whose mission is to protect, preserve and promote erotic art. We’re membership based and volunteer driven. All that we do is made possible by the donations we receive. Our doors are open to all, not just the LGBTQ+ community.

When the Foundation was set up four decades ago, its mission was to safeguard Tom of Finland’s vast catalogue of art for posterity. That original mission was expanded, and the Foundation now offers a safe haven for all erotic art.

TT: Where is the Foundation based?

ToFF: We’re in Los Angeles, in the house where Tom spent the last 10 years of his life (a particularly productive period of his career). The building is now known as TOM House.

TOM House is a safe gathering space for the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters. We want it to be an inclusive environment and a warm, safe, fun place for everybody who enjoys erotic art, whatever their sexual orientation or identity.

To that end, we sponsor numerous community events, such as monthly life drawing classes for instance. Take a look at our website! For anyone visiting LA, we offer regular guided tours of TOM House too.

TT: Are there any particular stories from Tom’s life that, for you, define the kind of person he was?

ToFF: Tom once shared a story with me [Durk] about something that happened to him during the War. He got teary-eyed when he told me, so I know if affected him greatly.

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Published: 12th March 2024

Categorised in: News