Al Tolf ’s intricate cartoons portrayed the city’s history

Carolyne Zinko’s article (May 31) about the Cartoon Art Museum inspired my wife and me to visit the museum in June. It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. Subsequent letters to The Chronicle have mentioned some more great cartoonists’ names, but my favorite has not yet been cited.

Al Tolf published a weekly cartoon in the San Francisco News during my teenage years. Through his artistic eyes and his imaginative outlook, I learned a lot about the fascinating history of San Francisco.

His pen-and-ink drawings were entertaining and educational. Later, during my work career, Al ran his art studio downtown very near my Pine Street office. I met and visited with him numerous times for several years. I really admired his large canvas, colorful paintings of San Francisco.

His cartoon style exaggerated the city in a most humorous manner. His attention to detail was absorbing. Each painting had to be studied. Each painting elicited smiles and chuckles from his customers. He really enjoyed people’s reactions.

At some point, Al moved his art studio to North Point and Polk Streets, and my job took me to San Jose. I still managed to visit with him over by Ghirardelli Square, and I purchased some of his works. He was a good man. He possessed a terrific sense of humor and of San Francisco history. His cartoonish, detailed paintings are exquisite. I hope that our Cartoon Museum will consider doing an exhibition of Al Tolf ’s work.

Chuck Smith, Morgan Hill