Night Shift TV at the Tattoo Body Art Expo

Night Shift TV at the Tattoo Body Art Expo

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Pioneers of Female Body Art

I thought it might be fun to rummage around the history books and take a look at some of the intrepid women who were instrumental in introducing and legitimizing the art of tattoos to the American and European public. Up until the 1960s, most of these women found circus sideshows, carnivals and dime museums as a way not only to display their body art but also earn a paycheck while doing so.

Although this list is not totally comprehensive…I have chosen to include those women I feel contributed the most and are the most famous.

Nora Hildebrandt

Nora Hildebrandt (often misspelled as “Hilderbrandt”) was the first tattooed lady to make the scene in the United States. She made her debut at Bunnell’s Museum in New York City in 1882.

Nora was tattooed by her father Martin Hildebrandt and told a tale onstage similar to those used by tattooed men like Constantine. Nora claimed that her father tattooed her while they were held captive by Sitting Bull, at the chief’s command. Within weeks of her debut, another tattooed lady by the name of Irene Woodward stole the limelight. Woodward quickly overshadowed Hildebrandt.

La Belle Irene

Irene Woodward used the stage name “La Belle Irene” and was often refereed to as “The Original Tattooed Lady”…though there is some doubt to her claim of being the actual first female tattoo attraction. But as early as 1882 the The New York Clipper, also known as The Clipper, a weekly entertainment newspaper published in New York City from 1853 to 1924 mentioned her working with G. B. Biennell. (a dime museum operator).

Some of the tattooed side show attractions of that era concocted elaborate tales as to why they got inked. In her onstage presentation she used a variation of Nora Hildebrandt’s story, claiming to have been tattooed as protection against the Indian “savages” in Texas.

It is rumored La Belle Irene’s tattoo work was done by Samuel O’Reilly and Charlie Wagner of New York City.

Emma de Burgh

Emma and Frank de Burgh were one of the most popular turn of the century husband and wife attractions. Tattooed by Samuel O’Reilly during the late 1800s in New York City, the de Burghs were among the many American attractions to work with much acclaim in Europe. First appearing in Berlin, Germany circa 1891, they took the side show world by storm. They were inked primarily with religious designs, the Last Supper and The Calvary were among fan favorites.

Lady Viola

Lady Viola was another circus sideshow attraction. The Bowery/Coney Island/Brooklyn tattoo artist Frank Graf inked her in the 1920s.

During an interview in 1989, Bob Shaw recalls the first time he saw Lady Viola in St . Louis, MO. (Bob Shaw tattooed for over 50 years before leaving for a better place. Bob helped pass

Body Painting

Tattoos: The Beauty of Body Art

tattoos are becoming more popular in all cultures around the world. They are a representation of the person's belief's or attitude of their lifestyle. To the tattoo owners, they usually have a significant meaning, whether it is related to a group of people; such as tribal members or sororities, or an individual, such as a loved one, or a meaning the tattoo owner believes in. Even ancient kings had tattoos to demonstrate their status of authority and power.

Like the artist, it takes many hours of hard work and practice to become a tattoo artist. There are many facets to learn. Some tattoos have many painstaking details which take several hours to define, while other tattoos may be small and simple. When getting a tattoo, it is very important to check out the reputation of the artist. Using sterile equipment is of the utmost importance as an unclean instrument can lead to hepatitis C and possibly other problems. It is also extremely important to keep the tattoo clean so infection doesn't occur afterward.

It is completely an individual choice what kind of tattoo a person may decide to have done. The price may range anywhere from $35 to well into the hundreds, depending on the time it takes and the details involved. However , it is wise to pay a good price for a great tattoo, considering it is a lifetime decision and can only be removed with surgery which will cost even more if you are not happy with your tattoo.

With all of the things considered, getting a tattoo can be very safe and enjoyable if done properly. Referred to as body art, there are many beautiful and amazing tattoos to choose from. After checking out many different tattoos, I was very happy to find the perfect one for me. I love my tattoo and am so glad I had it done!

If you would like to get a tattoo, it can be a great experience. Just make your decision carefully as you will more than likely be wearing it for the rest of your life. It is a reflection of what you stand for and how other people will see you.

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