Tom of Finland’s house is a museum of gay erotica

Back in March, a new photographic book, Tom House by Rizzoli, hit the scene with intention to reveal the domestic side of the Finnish artist, Touko Laaksonen or better known as Tom of Finland.

Tom of Finland is one of the most known homoerotic artists ever. Pulling from his own fantasies and experiences, Tom’s art depicts rugged men, often times naked and enjoying the company of other masculine men. In 1957, Tom’s art graced the cover of Physique Pictorial, which featured a physically fit, shirtless lumberjack riding a log in a river, and almost instantly his art became an sensation.

Despite a large cult following he wasn’t living off of his work until the early seventies, and in 1973 hosted his art in an exhibit for the first time. Unfortunately, nearly all of his artwork was stolen at the exhibit, which deterred him from hosting another for several years.

In November of 1991, Tom of Finland died but his art is still going strong. Replicas or art inspired by Tom are posted in gay bars all across the nation. Not to mention clothing lines, phone cases, and Tumblr continue to feature his art proudly. But the best collection of Tom’s art is stashed away in his Los Angeles home.

Check out some of the photos here, and go buy the new book for the whole collection!