Book By Its Cover » Vintage Tattoos

4.22.09

Carol Clerk

I don’t have any tattoos. I’ve never wanted any. The thought of something permanent on my body scares me especially since my aesthetic from ten years ago is completely different than what I like today. The talk of what tattoo you would get comes up so often in social conversations that I have had to come up with my one perfect idea. Like if someone held a knife up to me and said get a tattoo, I know what it would be. A nice line drawing of a map of the small island I grew up on, City Island. At least that would mean something to me in the future. Maybe it would say C.I. Forever. haha. Anyway, even though I don’t want a tattoo, I sure can appreciate this book of vintage tattoos. I love the nostalgic look of the swallow with a banner or the ole classic anchor tattoo. There’s some really old drawings that are quite naive looking in all the right ways. I think a pin-up tattoo girls pattern is calling my name. You can get this book here.
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8 Comments

04/22/09 9:38pm

Pia P. wrote

this is awakening ancient tatoo projects…

04/23/09 3:17pm

anthony groen wrote

I WANT. those are beautiful

04/23/09 8:19pm

Courtney wrote

I feel the exact same way about tattoos… I shudder at the thought of ink permanently sitting under my skin! However, it is cool to see these images.

p.s. I just recently discovered your blog, and love it!

04/24/09 12:07am

Tania McCartney wrote

These are amazing. Such a shame they die when the skin does!!!

04/24/09 1:28am

hazel terry wrote

I love old tatoos, some are quite like Chegall pictures, The film L’Atlante by Jean Vigo 1934 has wonderful examples to0.

04/25/09 12:04am

Rebecca CC wrote

I agree with you about getting a tatoo. I am too old anyway but when trying to figure out what I would get, it’s to hard to settle on one image to represent who/what I am. I do love the art aspect of tatoos. My mother, 80 this year, when asked what she would get if she were to get a tatoo said, ” a big snake wrapped around my neck, with it’s mouth open at the front of my throat”. This is from a women who used to iron our underwear and comb our hair into ringlets! Too funny. It’s a beatiful book. I added it to my wish list. You do a great job on this blog.

05/16/09 8:57pm

David Radovanovic wrote

Although the styles are different, e.g. 1920-30s the subject matter is about the same, e.g. love, patriotism, and other fleeting passions.

08/22/09 9:39pm

Michelle Picraux wrote

My great uncle is on the cover of this book. He was a tattooed man for Barnam & Bailey Circus.
Thanks for keeping the style alive.

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