THE HISTORY OF TATTOOING

Although the art of tattooing can be traced back to the beginning of time, modern electric tattooing was still in its infancy when Prince Vallar began his career. 

In the late 1800's the art of tattooing was being practiced by very few professionals in the UK. The first known British professional was D.W. Purdy, who had a shop in North London around 1870. The 1901 English Census lists two Professional Tattoo Artists, Sutherland MacDonald and Tom Riley. Based in London, England, both are considered by many to be the 'Fathers of Tattooing'. They popularised the art and made it fashionable amongst the upper-classes and even Royalty, tattooing among others King Edward VII.

George Burchett was also a leading tattoo artist in the first part of the 1900's starting his profession at the age of 12 and working at it for over 55 years. Among his clients were Kings, Queens, judges, admirals, a bishop and tens of thousands ordinary men and women. Before his death in 1953, at the age of 80, Burchett had prepared notes for a book of his memoirs. This book is a rare publication and a must for any serious tattoo enthusiast.

George Burchett at work in his studio.

With the popularity of tattooing increasing around the turn of the century more and more tattoo artists sprung up around the country. 

I believe that Prince Vallar developed an interested in tattooing through his Father's connection with showbiz/the circus. It is thought that Prince travelled with the circus and during this time he may have encountered a tattoo artist or tattooed people. In later years, when stationed with the Royal Sussex Regiment in England, he may have visited Burchett, MacDonald or Riley in order to learn more about tattooing. In the early 1900's there were no tattoo supply companies and the secrets of tattooing would be closely guarded. Information on tattooing was usually bought from an already established tattoo artist and the art remained this way until the early 1970's when the proliferation of tattoo supply companies saw more and more people enter the profession.

 

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