GEORGE BURCHETT, THE KING OF TATTOOISTS

George Burchett was one of the most famous tattoo artists in the UK and Europe throughout the 20th century. In his 50 year career, Burchett tattooed everybody from servicemen to royalty, and even invented his own form of cosmetic tattooing. Getting kicked out of school at age 12 for tattooing his classmates, he joined the Royal Navy at age 13. 

As a deckhand on the HMS Vincent, Burchett expanded on his tattoo skills while traveling overseas. This stint in the Navy brought him to the West Indies, Africa, India as well as the Far East— Much like Norm Collins was inspired on his travels around the world, Burchett found guidance amongst the native tattoos he witnessed. It was on this voyage that he acquired his first tattooing kit from a seaman named Weatherby— He began to ink fellow sailors at sea. While in Yokohama, George was tattooed by legendary tattoo artist Hori Choyo. His military career was ultimately short-lived & he opened up a shop as a cobbler when he returned to England. When business was slow, he would tattoo people in the back room of his shop. 

In 1898, Burchett met Tom Riley and Sutherland Macdonald, two legendary tattoo artists. Seeing tremendous potential in him, Macdonald took Burchett under his wing & trained him in the use of his newly invented electric tattooing machine. 

By 1900, George Burchett’s reputation as a talented artist grew so much that he was able to give up cobbling work entirely by 1900. Gaining a clientele of working class folks, he became popular amongst sailors & dock workers. 

Burchett’s career spanned more than 50 years. During that time, he built an incredible portfolio that influences artists to this day. From soldiers to nobles, Burchett welcomed every walk of life into his studio, transforming his once side-gig into a prosperous business in central London— he truly earned himself the title of “The King of Tattooists”.