Walter Moskowitz

Here's the thing: I didn't know Walter Moskowitz. But I've heard a handful of stories; enough to know he's a piece of tattoo history.

As tattooing creeps into the mainstream, it helps me to remember that past. When tattoos were vile and being a tattoo artist was a job of tremendous reproach.

"Tattoo design is in our culture a barbaric survival often associated with a morbid or abnormal personality." - New York State Appellate Court Decision (1964)

While tattooing was banned in NYC, Wally - along with his brother Stanley - moved shop and continued to do his thing, working like a mule. Thereby furthering the art... by helping to keep it alive. He was witty: Wally's son, Douglas called him a "scholar of people... (able to) converse and relate to everyone. He was well known. And yes, he was tough as nails.

In his heyday, respect was hard earned. But I have to tell you, after learning more and more about his history, my respect was given quickly. (And I'm a critical, withholding bastard!)

So do yourself a favor, take a few minutes, a read up a little more on the life of this man.

Related links:
Early Shop at 4 Bowery - inherited from father in 1961.
The Kosher Tattoo King
Wally's Tattoo Studio
Marissa's post at Needled.com