The first gallery dedicated to Erotic Art in Europe

RoB Gallery opened in 1978 with an exhibition of drawings by Tom of Finland, marking a turning point for both Amsterdam and the artist.

It was the gallery's inaugural exhibition, and Tom's second solo exhibition. The city had gained what was then described as Europe's first dedicated gallery for erotic art.

Following the exhibition's success, Rob Meijer became Tom's official distributor and international representative.

Through exhibitions in Amsterdam and New York,  publications, collectors' networks, and personal advocacy, Rob helped bring Tom's work beyond underground circulation and into broader artistic and cultural conversations.

Together, Tom and Rob challenged the idea that erotic art  belonged solely to secrecy or scandal. Their collaboration  positioned erotic imagery not as marginal obscenity, but as a legitimate artistic language. One capable of expressing  fantasy, identity, intimacy, and liberation.