Noble Deeds is the first book to draw back the curtain on the pageantry and philanthropy of The Imperial Court System, among the LGBTQ+ community’s oldest organizations. Award-winning photographer Ben Fink, working over a period of seven years, has captured scores of iconic Imperial Court personalities in a series of distinctive, lofty, and dreamlike tableaus. Wedding photographs to digitized fantasy scenarios, Fink has crafted iconic images that immortalize this royal gallery of unforgettable characters. Noble Deeds also offers an exclusive capsule history of the incredible saga of the Imperial Court System, documenting their unparalleled achievements in community-building, HIV fundraising,and queer activism.
This unique book, arriving in time for the Imperial Court’s sixtieth anniversary, properly places these fearless and fabulous trailblazers at the forefront of LGBTQ+ history.

"Noble Deeds" is a must-have collectors' volume for anyone interested in the intersection of art, drag, history, and LGBTQ+ activism.

About the Author:
Ben Fink, renowned artist and creator, brings his unparalleled vision to "Noble Deeds." With numerous books to his credit in the cookbook world, Fink's venture into this unprecedented project marks a milestone in his career. Spanning both the east and west coasts of the United States and reaching into Canada, Fink dedicated almost seven years and well over 7000 hours of illustration time to create almost 600 pieces for this monumental endeavor.

"Mesmerizing! Ben has truly encapsulated the exquisite history and unparalleled tapestry of the Imperial Court System. This is a masterwork, a true gift to monumentalize such an iconic piece of queer history."

David Collins, Creator and Producer of Queer Eye and Legendary

"Ben Fink is an alchemist. He turns his camera into a paintbrush to create images that transport and immerse us in the dynamic beauty, history, and culture of historical times and foreign places. He dazzles, entertains, and informs us with every frame."

David Zuckerman, Creator and Producer of Family Guy

"What gorgeous photographs! Ben Fink's fabulous collection not only illustrates the art of drag, it also expands the meaning of the art of photography."

Lillian Faderman, Author of The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle

"The Imperial Court System, currently led by Queen Mother Nicole, has long been a generous and unflagging donor to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. That is why I'm especially thrilled by Noble Deeds. More people need to know about this amazing network and Ben Fink depicts them as the dashing and defiant LGBTQ community heroes I know and love."

Judy Shepard, Co-Founder and President of the Matthew Shepard Foundation

"...the artistry of the subjects and the imagery is a wonder to behold! Congratulations to all who have contributed to this exciting and elaborate venture!"

Patty Carroll, Former Professor of Photography, School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Ben Fink's "Noble Deeds" is an illustrated peerage of the International Imperial Court. These seeming Renaissance portraits are a royal tour in color, imagination and play, also suggesting a lost episode of "Bridgerton". Noble, indeed.

WM Hunt is champion of photography: collector, teacher, dealer, fundraiser and writer based in New York City.

Release Date: 1/15/2025