In July 2025, Gavin Jones gave his second talk to the Friends, this time on a classical study of tattoo art. We were very pleased to have him back to explain more about the art of tattooing.
It's probably too difficult to read what the slides say. The one above identifies Sutherland Macdonald as the first person in the country to open premises where tattooing took place in 1894. His work was clearly inspired by classical art. He served in the British Army in Royal Engineers and fought in the Anglo-Zulu war. In addition to artistic designs, he also blended coloured ink on skin graft recipients. He tattooed royalty to the working class and he is remembered for his professional attitude to all.
Below a photo of Gavin
Above work inspired by Alfred Cheney Johnston
The final thought here is: 'Preservation of beauty is to safeguard the recognition of the soul and the divine for future generations.
