History of Tattooing: Tattoo Artist Grave Sites
By Carmen Forquer Nyssen
While browsing the Buzzworthy Tattoo History site, some of you might have noticed that visiting and/or documenting tattoo artist grave sites has been a focal point of my tattoo history research (See my page at Find A Grave). There’s good reason. It’s a grand salute to ‘those who paved the way’ and the creation of an accessible tattoo artist grave index enables others to pay their respects.
Most would agree that grave markers carry special historical significance. They stand as enduring physical remembrances of those who came before. They have a way of invoking the person and their deeds, ever more solidifying their place in history. For this reason, it’s always a little deflating when you encounter an empty space where you expect to see a nicely carved plaque or commemorating tombstone. Sadly, a good number of revered tattoo artists died without the means for a proper burial —William Grimshaw, Harry Lawson, Charlie Barrs, and Walter Torun are a few that come to mind.
While researching Ralph Johnstone’s history for Chuck Eldridge’s Tattoo Archive Life & Times series, I learned he also fell into this category. Johnstone died November 14, 1960 and was buried in Oakridge-Glen Oak Cemetery just outside of Chicago proper. For nearly 55 years, his grave sat bare, probably without a single visitor for the greater extent. What a tragedy for such an enormously talented tattoo artist!
When Chicago tattoo artist Nick Collela of Great Lakes Tattoo read about Johnstone’s lack of a grave marker, he promptly set about making things right. On his own dime and sole efforts, Nick had a beautiful memorial placed on Johnstone’s grave site —complete with an engraving commorating one of Johnstone’s iconic tattoo designs.
In my book, Nick’s thoughtful gift to Johnstone and the tattoo community is a testament to his generosity in the tattoo community.
In Nick’s candid words:
“Honestly I guess I just thought it was the right thing to do. I never questioned it. Once I saw he had no marker I thought well he needs one. Everyone always talks about giving back to tattooing and whatever else. Instead of trying to get something of Ralph’s I wanted to give him something. That’s how I gave back to him. He deserves it.”
It’s a beautiful thing when history comes together. Previously, not much of Johnstone’s career had been documented. Thanks to investigation/research on my part, and Nick’s heartfelt generosity, tattoo artists and enthusiasts can now visit Johnstone’s grave and reflect on his contributions to tattooing in a more meaningful way.
If you’re interested in learning more about Ralph Johnstone, you can purchase a copy of the Life & Times booklet here. Also, if you find yourself in Chicago, make sure to stop by Great Lakes Tattoo and check out some of Johnstone’s living tattoo history, as well as that of many other Chicago tattoo characters. Nick has done an amazing job of preserving Chicago’s tattooing traditions through the history he presents in his shop, and the whole crew at Great Lakes is just as vibrant in plying their craft.
See my Ralph Johnstone article on the Great Lakes Tattoo website, including Nick & Sarah Colella’s restoration of a stunning and rare Johnstone’s art piece:
2019, Ralph Johnstone by Carmen Nyssen
Tattoo Artists Find A Grave
For information on historical tattoo artist burials, and related burials, visit Buzzworthy Tattoo History’s Find A Grave account . The documenting of tattoo artist graves is an ongoing project that has helped in identifying and paying homage to many of tattooing’s forgotten historical characters.
Link: Tattoo Artist Grave Locations
Link: Tattooed People Grave Locations
Link: Show People Grave Locations
Update: As of 2023, I relinquished my account due to mishandling of memorials by various contributors. But you can still access my research/memorials at the above links.
Tattoo Grave Site Trip 2010
In 2010, my husband and I embarked on a labor of love road trip from Washington State to Southern California to document the resting places of historical tattoo artists. At the time, when this information wasn’t available on the internet or otherwise documented for posterity, locating these burial locations took quite a bit of research. The journey of visiting one cemetery to the next also required much patience and planning.
For the importance of tattooing’s journey through history, see Buzzworthy Tattoo History homage articles: Grand Lineages of Tattooing and Tattoos: Magical Iterations of the Past
Questions or Comments? Email:
carmennyssen@buzzworthytattoo.com
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