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The full history of tattoos is a fascinating tale of how body art has found its way to thrive in different cultures and eras.
One chapter that is particularly captivating is the Tattoo Renaissance that begins with the XX century and the invention of the electric tattoo machine.
Check out this amazing selection of photos from that era that prove tattoos have been a stylish choice of body modification for more than a hundred years.
“Bertie” tattooed by Red Gibbons, c.1928 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
“Blue Oskar” Manischewski and his wife Emma, 1958 – Photo by Herbert Hoffmann – Source: @oldschooltattz
“Cindy Ray” Robinson, Australia, c.1960s – Source: @toughtimesarchive
15 year old schoolboy Eric Jarvis tattooed by Eric Simister, Featherstone, England, May, 1960 – Source: @vintagetattoophotoarchive
A Motuan woman and her child photographed in Manu Manu, Papua New Guinea, 1958 – Photo by Percy Cochrane – Source: @the_sea_hag
A Sarajevan Catholic woman photographed by Auguste Léon, 1912, This form of tattooing is called Sicanje or Bocanje and it is practiced by the women of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Source: @the_sea_hag
Andy Stuertz getting tattooed by Charlie Wagner, 1908 – Source: @oldschooltattz
August “Cap” Coleman 1944 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Bert Grimm, c.1940 – Source: @vintagetattoophotoarchive
Bristol Tattoo Club member tattooed by Les Skuse, c.1950’s – Source: @toughtimesarchive
From Edison’s Electric Pen to Modern Inking
Thomas Edison’s invention of the electric pen in 1876, initially designed for duplicating documents, unknowingly laid the groundwork for the modern tattoo machine.
While the electric pen itself phased out due to technological advancements, its mechanism inspired Samuel O’Reilly, an Irish-American tattoo artist, to invent the first electric tattoo needle in the 1890s. This innovation propelled tattooing into a new era of efficiency and creativity.
Thomas Edison’s electric pen
Christian Warlich tattooing Karl Oergel, Hamburg, c.1930s – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Christian Warlich, 1936 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Fred Harris at work, Sydney, Australia, December 17th, 1937 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Fred Marquand c.1920s – Source: @toughtimesarchive
George Burchett 1935 – Photo by Peter Keen – Source: @the_sea_hag
Jane Morris tattooing her dad, tattooist Darrell Morris, November 22nd 1963 – Source: @the_sea_hag
Jessie Knight tattooing a servicewoman at her studio in Aldershot, December 15th, 1951 – Source: @the_sea_hag
Joe Clingan, Detroit, Michigan, c.1950s – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Josef Martynczenak, 1967 – Photo by Herbert Hoffmann – Source: @vintagetattoophotoarchive
Les Skuse tattooing Pam Nash, 1959 – Source: @oldschooltattz
Sailor Tattoos and Nautical Symbols
Sailors were among the first groups to embrace tattoos, using them as symbols of their experiences and achievements at sea.
These markings served not only as personal talismans but also as a form of visual storytelling, chronicling journeys, milestones, and the challenges of life on the vast oceans.
Swallows indicated a sailor’s significant travel distance, while turtles signified crossing the equator. Additionally, the anchor, often accompanied by a date or a name, symbolized stability and a safe return home, grounding the sailor’s adventurous spirit to something permanent and steadfast.
These nautical tattoos, including the widely recognized anchor, remain popular today, a testament to their timeless appeal. They continue to be adorned by those who seek to capture the essence of resilience, navigation, and the deep connection between man and sea, drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of sailor tattoos.
Les Skuse, 1954 – Source: @the_sea_hag
Lyle Tuttle then and now – Source: @ll3.tattoo
Lyle Tuttle, 1957 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Lyle Tuttle and Marty Holcomb, c.1975 – Source: @the_sea_hag
Mack McCullen, 1956 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Man tattooed by Pinky Yun, Hong Kong, 1962 – Source: @vintagetattoophotoarchive
Marianne and Ivor Collier tattooed by Les Skuse – Source: @the_sea_hag
Nora Hildebrandt, c. 1880 – Photo by Charles Eisenmann – Source: @the_sea_hag
Percy Waters working on a back piece for “Dutch”, 1920 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
R.M Reynolds tattooing a sailor from the Royal Australian Navy, in his Melbourne studio, c.1940 – Source: @the_sea_hag
Patriotic Ink: A Symbol of Service and Sacrifice
For sailors and soldiers alike, patriotic tattoos served as profound emblems of honor and loyalty, transcending the mere aesthetic to embody deep personal convictions and commitments.
These tattoos, often comprising flags, emblems, or symbols representative of one’s country or military branch, were not just skin-deep decorations but declarations of a lifetime allegiance and readiness to sacrifice for the greater good.
Despite the prevailing societal reservations about tattoos, which often categorized them as rebellious or unsavory, these specific symbols of service carved out a niche of acceptance.
They bridged the gap between personal identity and collective duty, offering those in service a way to visibly carry their pride and dedication for their country, making a compelling statement of belonging and sacrifice that resonated well beyond the military community.
Ray Pearl shows Gloria Stuart her face tattooed on his chest that was done by his uncle, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, September 2nd, 1937 – Source: @vintagetattoophotoarchive
Reg Riley, 1943 – Source: @vintagetattoophotoarchive
Richard Wulkow, 1966 – Source: @vintagetattoophotoarchive
Rusty & Bill Skuse in a press photo, 1965 – Source: @vintagetattoophotoarchive
Rusty & Bill Skuse, c.1960 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Rusty Skuse, 1960 – Source: @oldschooltattz
Sailor Ned Resinol, 1986 – Source: @vintagetattoophotoarchive
Spider Webb tattooing a bird on a woman’s shoulder outside of the Museum of Modern Art in 1976 – Source: @the_sea_hag
Tato Jack, 1954 – Source: @vintagetattoophotoarchive
Tato-Peter Petersen at work, Fiskergade, Aarhus, Denmark, 1962 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Tattooed Circus Freaks
In the early 20th century, tattooed individuals were often part of circus acts, drawing crowds eager to witness their adorned bodies. This era’s “tattooed attractions” challenged societal norms, turning personal art into public spectacle.
Among the notable figures in the circus scene was John O’Reilly, known as “The Tattooed Irishman.” His extensive tattoos, which were considered scandalous at the time, made him a subject of fascination and controversy.
John O’Reilly, c.1880s – Source: Buzzworthy Tattoo History
Tattooist Barbara Chapman at the Denver Tattoo Convention, March 27th, 1979 – Source: @the_sea_hag
Tattooist Jack Zeek, January 1st, 1967 – Source: @the_sea_hag
Tattoos by Doc Forbes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, c.1960 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Tokumitsu Uchida (Horigorō II) working on a back piece using his self made machine, c.1955 – Source: @the_sea_hag
Tony D’Anessa tattooing his client, David King, c.1959 – Source: @the_sea_hag
Tattooed man, c.1930 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Tattooed French man, c.1950 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Willi Pelka, 1965 – Source: @toughtimesarchive
Young & old Tex Rowe – Source: @oldschooltattz
Paving The Way To Modern Tattooing
The invention of the electric tattoo machine and the culture that it sparked was the movement that helped bring us to where we are today.
This chapter sees the beginning of modern techniques which facilitate line control and gradients, qualities that are still being improved upon even today. This is also when hygiene comes into play (even if you’re also freaking out about the gloveless artist hands on most pictures!), and new standards of the practice shines a light into tattoo safety.
All in all, these pictures are definitely awesome reminders of the incredible history of tattoos, which makes us feel close to these cool tattooed folk from over a hundred years ago.