Curio

State Library of New South Wales

Robert Wommelsdorf, Industrial Strength,192 King Street, 20 February 2013

a8817 Online No. 32

"From having a small town feel in the heart of the city, where you knew all the locals; to becoming one of the city's 'hot spots'."

In 1894, the first tattoo parlour in Sydney was established in George Street in the city by a Japanese man. The Japanese government banned tattooing in 1868, precipitating many master tattooists travelling overseas to continue their craft.

In 1925 the body of a headless man covered in tattoos including a peacock, Union Jack and Britannia was found near Newtown railway bridge.

Industrial Strength refuses to tattoo under 18s, even with their Mum's permission, but the tattooists say the under-18s are welcome to watch their Mums get tattooed here.

This tattooist offers vegan inks.