Tattoo Traditions

We are back after a break with a super interesting episode with english tattooist Sean Hobden.

Sean was born on a traveler site in Kent, England in the 1960's. He remembers his grandad having a tattoo which was done in a tent in WW2. His story is absolutely amazing, we talked about his tattoo career, his book, fairground sign painting, old time legends like Jeff Baker and much more.

We want to say thank you to his son Josh for helping set this one up. Check out Josh's work here

https://www.tattooistinkent.com/

To buy Seans amazing book visit this link below

https://www.amazon.com/Tales-School-Tattooing-Sean-Hobden/dp/1479393576/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WidVk4snGVD9Aimmk7fDBJtafkmO8LwYA9EI6ARDl40ObTBqWd7K0yIHHxorRAXhUpjDhQpfhtQdNK6Vy6CbhQ.6ISV6uYT2sANm1BdA7-1mXhuSq1ym2JUx1rMz0NBHrc&qid=1733028211&sr=8-1

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short. Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

This month we got to talk to one of tattooing's true originals Jonathan Shaw,
Born in New York but raised in Los Angeles Jonathan had a huge range of artistic influences from very early on.
He began writing as his self expression and it was only when he found himself at a dock yard in Mexico that his journey into tattooing really begun.
Jonathan’s career has seen him open Fun City in New York, publish books, travel the world and influence famous movie characters!
The documentary about his life ‘Scab Vendor Confessions of a Tattoo Artist’ is officially released in theatres in June, check his social media for more details.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short. Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

This month we got the opportunity to talk to another british tattoo legend, Eddy Fretwell. Eddy started tattooing in 1963. He bought his first machine from Bill Wesby a tattooist and coal miner for £3.50. He traveled all over England tattooing and also had his own supply company Panther Products. We have wanted to talk to Eddy for a while now so it was really amazing to record his story to share with you! Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short. Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

After a summer break we are back with a bang talking to New York legend Pat Nunziata.

Pat started tattooing in the 60's in the basement of his mums house in New York.

He bought his first machines from Walter Moskowitz after passing his shop on one of his lorry routes.

He's tattooed Hells Angels, done house visits and has some brilliant stories.

Tattooists like Pat are the reason we do this podcast to keep their names as a part of tattoo history. We hope you enjoy it!

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

This months episode is with the brilliant Brian Angel.

Brian got his first tattoo in 1965 from the legendary King Arthur Bishop. Shortly after Brian began tattooing himself working on his squadie mates. He has traveled and tattooed all over england and europe and has a very interesting and unique story!
We hope you enjoy it.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

This month we called the great Bill Loika at his home in Amsterdam.

Bill, originally from America, started tattooing in the 70's. He's worked alongside incredible historical figures like Tattoo Peter and Jack Armstrong.
In this episode we talked about the paranormal, Jack Dracula and carnival tattooing. Bill now works at Rose Tattoo in Amsterdam and also takes on commissions for his wonderful paintings.

We hope you enjoy his story.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

We are back this month with the brilliant rascal Jeff Jaguer.

Jeff was born in Newport South Wales in the 40's. He later joined the merchant navy and travelled all around the world getting his first tattoo in a doorway in India. When he returned to England he started tattooing using machines he had bought from Milton Zeis. In the 80's Jeff released a book 'The Tattoo - A Pictorial History' which is a collectors item today. No one embodies the idea of a true character more than Jeff Jaguer, we really hope you enjoy his amazing story.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

When we first started the podcast there was one name at the top of our list, Harry Potter.

Harry started tattooing in 1952 hand poking tattoos aboard a navy ship. Once back on dry land he bought his first machines from the legendary George Burchett.

At 90 he is Englands oldest tattooist, he's a wealth of knowledge and experience and it was an absolute honor to record his story.

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

We are back this month after a break with a new episode featuring the great Rick Harnowski

Rick has been tattooing since the late 60's, after moving to America from Poland his tattoo career really took off.

He's tattooed at the opening of the Harley Davidson Museum, ran his own convention and created tattoos that truly help people.

Rick was an absolute pleasure to talk to and we can't wait for you guys to hear his tattoo story.

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

This episode is with Ipswich legend Fat Bob.

Fat Bob's path into tattooing was through his family, he soon set up his studio on a boat and began building his reputation as the finest floating tattooist in England.

We appreciate Bob's commitment to get to this interview despite a long and eventful journey. We hope you enjoy the story of this tattooed sea dog as much as we do.

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

This episode was recorded in Newcastle, England with the geordie charmer Dave Turner.

Dave has been tattooing for over 5 decades, his career has taken him on some wild adventures and his knowledge of tattoo history in Newcastle and the surrounding areas is excellent.

We were lucky enough to record Dave's story and hear first hand about tattooing on the docks of the river tyne, gun runners for the hells angels and magic butterflies.

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

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This month we went to the Mandrake Hotel in London to talk to the ultra charismatic Mark Mahoney.

Mark's best known for his beautiful black and grey work but that's not how he started out! You'll hear all about his early career and everything that happened along the way to get him where he is today. 

Mark is a natural story teller and to be able to meet him and record this was a real honor.

You can find Mark tattooing at his studio Shamrock Social Club in Los Angeles, California.

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

We were lucky enough this month to talk to the marvellous Marvin Moskowitz.

Marvin is a third generation tattooist from New York City, his Grandfather, Father and Uncle all tattooed on the Bowery which is a stones throw away from where this was recorded.

They are one of the most famous and talented families in tattoo history. Marvin was gracious enough to share that history with us for you to enjoy.

Any of the merchandise Marvin mentions in this episode, including a great interview with Walter Moskowitz, can be purchased from his website www.bowerytattoo.com

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

This month takes us to America, we were fortunate enough to sit down in New York and talk to the mighty Mike McCabe.

Mike started tattooing in the late 70's with guidance from Richard Tyler. His love for tattooing extends outside of it as a practice and he's produced many books on its history, most famous being 'New York City Tattoo'.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Mike, his knowledge of New York history is incredible and his passion for tattooing is infectious.

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Simon Short.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

This months episode comes to you from the heart of Lancashire and the pioneer that is Dave Heap.

Dave's career started in the 60's, he quickly developed a style so bold and unique it was instantly recognisable. We talked about his letters overseas, his inspirations and his incredible career.

A book about Dave has been published by owner of Rambos Tattoo Museum Paul Ramsbottom. It features photos, writing and flash. It's an excellent visual documentation of his work and story. To get a copy find 'Rambos Tattoo Museum' on social media and send them a message.

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Steven Stride.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

Recorded amongst a collection of old photos and memorabilia we bring you episode 9 with Ken Rivers.

Ken began his tattoo journey in the 70's working from home, he soon decided he wanted more and opened his first shop in Watford. He immersed himself in tattooing working for old characters like Jock in Kings Cross and at various meet ups like the notorious Dunstable Convention.

From tattooing in a coal shed and working the doors Ken's story is full of charm, we hope you enjoy it.

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Steven Stride.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

This month we celebrate the life of our dear friend and tattoo legend Tony 'The Ted' Tatum.

Sadly Tony passed away on the 28th April, his impact on tattooing and the people he came into contact with was massive. Since the early 60's he tattooed in Bedford, Bedfordshire and was known as an 'Icon' amongst those that live there. 

We were lucky enough to spend a lot of time with Tony since recording this interview and we hope you enjoy listening to his episode.

Audio edited and mixed by Steven Stride.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

This episode we traveled to Essex for a conversation with Dave Ross.

Dave's been a huge part of tattooing in the Essex area since first picking up a machine in the 60's. Tattooing has taken Dave all around the world, traveling on boats and working when they stopped. His career has enabled him to meet some interesting characters as well as being one himself! We hope you enjoy this new episode.

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Steven Stride.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

In episode 6 we heard from Dawn Stevens.

She has been involved in tattooing since the 70's, known for her award winning shoulder and back tattoo as well as being ahead of the curve towards fine line and 'feminine' tattoos that shaped the 80's style.

Interview led by Rosie Evans. 

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Steven Stride.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.

Episode 5 presents Eddie Hardiman.

In this episode we head up the country to the North East to meet Eddie Hardiman. Eddie started tattooing in the 1960's learning what he could from Ernie Franks in his caravan studio. Since then he has been a pioneer for tattooing and pushed his own artistic ability to award winning heights. 

Eddie is a true gentleman and a great example of tattooing at its finest.

This Episode is sponsored by BUTTER UP Tattoo aftercare, visit www.butterup.co for more information.

Audio edited and mixed by Steven Stride.

Theme music -  "The Smallest House on the Street" by Yannik.