Online content
Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Faulk, David and Johnstone, Michael
- Abstract:
- The archive contains newspaper clippings, oral histories, videorecordings, and photographs that document the costumes, appearances, and photographs of Mrs. Vera, a drag persona, and her circle of friends in San Francisco.
- Extent:
- 2 boxes (1.0 cubic foot)
- Language:
- Collection materials are in English, with one item in Polish.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of item], Verasphere Archive (GLC 59), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The archive contains newspaper clippings, oral histories, videorecordings, and photographs that document the costumes, appearances, and photographs of Mrs. Vera, a drag persona, and her circle of friends in San Francisco. Mrs. Vera is the collaboration of gay artist and costume designer David Faulk and his partner photographer Michael Johnstone. The characters Mrs. Vera, Mr. Tina, and their friends are collectively known as the "Verasphere." The photographs of them in various settings is a response to the loss of artists to HIV/AIDS.
- Biographical / historical:
-
"Verasphere" collectively describes Mrs. Vera (David Faulk) and Mr. Tina (Michael Johnstone) and their community of friends. Faulk, a painter, created elaborate costumes, accessories and make-up to develop the persona of Mrs. Vera. The Mrs. Vera Daybook photograph series began in the early 1990s by documenting their appearances with friends at San Francisco street fairs and clubs. Johnstone is the photographer of the series and notes that the colors in the photographs are un-retouched.
The Mrs. Vera work began as a more light-hearted documentation but with the losses due to AIDS, and the presence of HIV, it has become a vibrant response to the depradations of disease on both the physical and emotional landscapes. With Johnstone's diagnosis of bilateral cytomegalovirus, the work began to change taking on a more serious subtext.
David Faulk and Michael Johnstone are life partners.
- Acquisition information:
- Donated by Michael Johnstone and David Faulk, December 12, 2008. An exhibition description and artist's statement for "Petting Zoo: the Art of Mrs. Vera" was added in January 2016. Additions received from Michael Johnstone, March 26, 2021.
- Arrangement:
-
The collection is arranged into four series: Series 1. Press and Publicity; Series 2. Subject Files; Series 3. Videorecordings; and, Series 4. Photographs.
- Physical location:
- The collection is stored onsite.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours.
- Terms of access:
-
Copyright retained by Michael Johnstone and David Faulk. Work can be used and copied for educational or research purposes.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of item], Verasphere Archive (GLC 59), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.
- Location of this collection:
-
San Francisco Public Library100 Larkin StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102, US
- Contact:
- (415) 557-4567