Collection: San Francisco in the '70s

The 1970s in San Francisco were flamboyant, alive, full of color and passion, marked by dark periods and electric highs. The city was on the forefront of fashion, music and the counterculture movement free-loving hippie spirit prevailed, and bohemians, buskers, bongo-drum players and jewelry makers thronged the city. In 1972 Dave Allen’s The Boarding House, which hosted music and comedy, featured Bette Midler, Patti Smith, Dolly Parton, Steve Martin and Robin Williams. Outcasts and the socially marginalised were attracted by a greater tolerance and acceptance of diverse cultures in the city. This is why San Francisco grew as one of world’s biggest centres for the LGBT community and LGBT rights. It was the City of human rights and equality. The place where Indians of All Tribes group were occupying the former prison at Alcatraz Island and the LGBT community was at the centre of the debate. The place where Harvey Milk was shouting out to the whole world his beliefs.

“Burst down those closet doors once and for all, and stand up and start to fight.” (Harvey Milk)