Tom of Finland Stamps

Image: Itella Posti Oy

The Finnish postal service Itella is to release a set of stamps commemorating Tom of Finland. Itella says it wants to celebrate the iconic artist’s ‘proud homoeroticism’.

Artist Touko "Tom of Finland" Laaksonen's (1920-1991) erotic art is of great importance for the modern gay culture. His themes usually represent leather clad bikers or sailors, often involved in sexual acts. 

The three stamps motifs are based on two drawings by Tom of Finland, and represent the artist's characteristic muscular male figures. The motifs were selected by graphic designer Timo Berry.

"The sheet (of three stamps) portrays a sensual life force and being proud of oneself. There is never too much of that in this northern country," said Berry in an Itella press release.

The stamps are to be released in September and will be available for purchase at the Finnish postal service's online shop.

Source: Itella Oy webpage