Last updated October 2026 · Written by Casey M., Resident Toy Specialist at Epic Dildos.
TL;DR
Tom of Finland was Finnish artist Touko Laaksonen (1920 to 1991). His confident, muscular, shame free drawings of gay men became icons of gay culture and leather style, and his name now appears on a licensed line of toys. Browse Tom of Finland Dildos.
Who Was Tom of Finland?
Touko Valio Laaksonen was born on May 8, 1920, in Kaarina, Finland. He served in the Finnish Army during World War II, then worked in advertising while drawing privately. In 1956 the American magazine Physique Pictorial published his work and credited him as "Tom of Finland."
His style is unmistakable: hyper-masculine men in leather, uniforms and denim, drawn with near photographic detail and, crucially, looking happy and unashamed.
Why His Work Mattered
- It challenged stereotypes. At a time when gay men were often portrayed as weak or tragic, Tom drew them strong, confident and joyful.
- It shaped an aesthetic. His leather and uniform imagery heavily influenced gay leather culture and fashion.
- It reached the mainstream. By the 1970s he was exhibiting in galleries, and in 2014 Finland's postal service issued stamps of his art.
The Tom of Finland Foundation
Founded in 1984 by Tom and Durk Dehner, the Tom of Finland Foundation preserves his archive, supports other erotic artists and licenses his name and images. His work is now held by major museums, including MoMA in New York and the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki.
Tom of Finland Toys
The licensed toy line takes its cue from the art: bold, realistic and unapologetically big. Stock in this line changes often, so if your favourite is sold out, our Realistic Dildos and Huge Dildos collections have similar styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tom of Finland?
Tom of Finland was the pen name of Touko Laaksonen (1920 to 1991), a Finnish artist whose bold, joyful homoerotic drawings shaped gay culture and leather aesthetics.
Why are there Tom of Finland dildos?
The Tom of Finland Foundation licenses his name and imagery, and toy makers have produced dildos inspired by the hyper-masculine style of his art.
Shop the Tom of Finland Dildos collection.