It is a book like no other, whose contents have been kept for decades by the family. Tattooing to Perfection, is the fascinating and illustrated story of John Thompson Clark. Known professionally as Professor Clark, Clark was probably the first professional tattooist in South Africa in the early 1900s. A tattooist himself extensively tattooed, by the way, and not by just anyone: George Burchett, himself. The famous English tattooist from London is said to have done this work during one of his stays in Johannesburg in 1912-1913. He is also said to be the author of the famous tattoo that Clark wore on his skull depicting the portrait of Paul Kruger - a South African political figure who has gone down in history. Clark, a decidedly colourful character, even exhibited himself during a tour with the Ringling Brothers circus in the United States in the summer of 1914. He was then presented as the "famous tattooed man of South Africa"... In short.
As you can see, the story is fascinating and the book is no less so. Co-authored by Judith Lukas, Clark's granddaughter, and American tattoo artist/collector Nicholas York, the 232-page book contains over 600 original colour images. The story also includes the stories of other artists of the time as well as Clark's wife Bertha, also a tattoo artist, working under the name Princess Beatrice. Can't wait for Christmas. Price : 100€. Available here: www.tattooingtoperfection.com Instagram : @tattooingtoperfection
