REMEMBER THIS: Tattooing came to Barrie after Second World War (4 photos)

The current rise in reputation of tattoos has been so speedy that most individuals simply bear in mind when expressing your self with this everlasting type of physique artwork was principally seemed down upon.

At present, on common, 1 / 4 of grownup Canadians now have a tattoo of some kind.

Up till the Nineteen Sixties, although, most speak of tattooing in Barrie both referred to a much-anticipated army show of music and marching, or to the inking of pets or livestock as a way of identification.

References to physique tattoos had been normally of the destructive selection. Mentions of tattoos within the Barrie newspapers of the twentieth century had been primarily hooked up to descriptions of needed criminals or of the unidentified victims of violent crime. This added to the assumption that anybody with ink should be from an unsavoury crowd.

It was towards this backdrop that Robert Venet Hughson sought a enterprise licence from the City of Barrie in September 1948. He needed to open a tattoo parlour on Elizabeth Avenue, however, because the Barrie Examiner reported, the preliminary response from the native powers that be was lower than beneficial.

“A number of members of council indicated that they weren’t anxious to have any individual tattooing in Barrie. The clerk was instructed to arrange a bylaw to license tattooing institutions and there was a sign {that a} excessive charge can be stipulated.”

Robert Hughson had one factor going for him and that was timing. This was the period simply after the Second World Struggle and there was a sense that all the things must be accomplished to assist army veterans get again on their ft and to patronize any companies they could begin. Robert Hughson was a returned soldier.

Not solely was he an ex-serviceman however he was educated in tattooing by one other serviceman, knowledgeable nicknamed Sharp. Afterwards, Hughson rode a bicycle from one army camp to a different throughout England and tattooed some 1,000 abroad troopers.

He started his craft as an beginner in Toronto after which took his commerce on the highway to the Calgary Stampede and to the summer season crowds at Wasaga Seaside. When he turned skilled, he was solely the seventh tattoo artist in Canada to take action.

It could have been very troublesome for Barrie city council to show down this former soldier, a married man with a nine-year-old daughter.

They didn’t.

Robert Hughson acquired his want and began what was seemingly the primary skilled tattoo parlour in Barrie.

He lived and labored from 82 Elizabeth St., a spot that he assured can be the location of a respectably run enterprise. He invited anybody to return and watch him at work in the event that they preferred.

One yr later, the Hughson parlour was featured in a front-page article within the Barrie Examiner. Maybe, his distinctive artwork type was nonetheless a little bit of a mysterious factor to the individuals of Barrie.

Hughson informed the reporter that his tattoos had been all of his personal creation. He had some 200 designs able to go: birds, snakes, daggers, lighthouses, crests, spiritual motifs, you identify it. He may deal with something from “a neat little anchor” to “a full-grown tiger full with stripes.”

Tattoos of “Mom,” “Demise Earlier than Dishonor” or tropical scenes had been the favourites. His clients had been nearly totally male however not all. In addition they included some well-to-do shoppers and not less than one army chaplain.

The reporter was curious. Doesn’t it damage? No, stated Hughson, nevertheless it would possibly burn just a bit. He stored some smelling salts available simply in case, although.

The charge on the time was $10 an hour and it usually took Robert Hughson 20 minutes to supply a tattoo. His largest challenge had been an elaborate crucifix that was accomplished over 4 classes of 90 minute every.

Hughson nonetheless had the unique electrical tattoo needle given to him by his mentor, Sharp, nevertheless it sat on a shelf as Hughson had designed his personal customized arrange. His inks had been imported in powder type and blended within the store.

When requested what was to return subsequent, Robert Hughson shared that he was planning with a shopper to tattoo a big Lord’s Supper picture on a person’s chest.

He added that he had a hero. Albert ‘Velocity’ Robinson of Vancouver was a legendary determine on the earth of tattoo arts on the time and Robert Hughson aspired to be simply nearly as good as him some day.

Every week, the Barrie Historical Archive gives BarrieToday readers with a glimpse of town’s previous. This distinctive column options images and tales from years passed by and is certain to attraction to the historian in every of us.