Tom House: Tom Of Finland In Los Angeles

As great as it is, be sure to take "Tom House: Tom Of Finland In Los Angeles" off your coffee table before your gay daddy friends bring their children over.

"Tom House: Tom of Finland in Los Angeles" is a fascinating collection of photographs showcasing the works of Touko Laaksonen (aka Tom of Finland) and the house in which a large portion of his work was created. While the majority of the book is photography, Mayer Rus's absorbing essay that makes up the forward of the book gives the reader some cultural and historical context for the photography contained within. The pages alternate between photos of the "Tom House" and of Tom's work, from rough sketches to detailed drawings of musclebound men in skin tight leather. Documenting the setting that these illustrations were created in, photographer Martyn Thompson gives a few glimpses into the house that has become a shrine to Tom himself as well as a home to a community that surrounded Tom during his time in the US. One of the more eye catching series of photos is that of Tom's room. It has been preserved as a shrine to not only Tom but also his work. His Finnish Army Officer's uniform hangs on one wall of the room with his pencils, paper and materials on the desk beside them. Close-ups of the collages Tom used to inspire some of his work, cut out photographs of police officers, shirtless athletes, soldiers and sailors. All in all, the book and essay combine to give the reader and viewer an interesting perspective on Tom as an individual and the close-knit community that surrounded him in Los Angeles. Fan's of Tom's work will appreciate the showcasing of his production process, the images that inspired him, and the world he inspired.

"Tom House: Tom of Finland in Los Angeles"
Coffee Table Book
$33.00
Rizzoli