‘No Idols Tattoo’ the Latest Tattoo Parlor to Open on the Bowery, Birthplace of the Industry
Tattooing is returning home in a big way. Back to the Bowery, where it all started.
The latest newcomer in this revival is No Idols Tattoo, which opened a second-floor ink spot a few months ago at 112 Bowery. It joins Kings Avenue and celebrity inkmaster Bang Bang’s studio within a five-block radius.
This chalked-up sandwich board sits outside the entrance as advertisement. At first glance, it appears to read, “No tools tattoo,” which would be quite the feat in and of itself.
Now, this is the point where we plug our extensive coverage on the Bowery vis-a-vis tattooing.
As previously written, the first tattoo shops in New York initially catered to seafarers who grabbed a haircut and some permanent ink in what is now the Wall Street district. Yet, like all things in this city – that changed. By the late 19th century, tattooing moved to the Bowery and a mecca was born. Tattoo artists catered to all kinds, but the Bowery was soldiers’ and sailors’ depraved heaven (and haven).
Speaking of which, the New York Historical Society has a new exhibit – “Tattooed New York” – that examines three centuries of the art form in the city.
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