Lyle Tuttle Legendary San Francisco Tattoo Artist Dies at 87

Lyle Tuttle dubbed the “father of modern tattooing” died on March 25, 2019. He was 87 years old. A cause of death was not announced.

Tuttle’s death was verified on Instagram. The page said everybody is heartbroken to have to announce that Tuttle died in his sleep last night.

Tuttle had a famous clientele working on artists such as Cher, Joan Baez, Henry Fonda, Paul Stanley, the Allman Brothers, and Janis Joplin.

Tuttle was recognized as a groundbreaking and important tattoo artist in America.

The tattoo artist worked in multiple parlors in San Francisco, for over 70 years. Lately, his studio was located in North Beach on Columbus Avenue. The parlor also doubles as a museum which displays a tattoo collection.

A statement on Tuttle’s Instagram page read the artist inspired everybody with his creativity, joy for life, friendship, and humor. He will always be a tattooed prince. He enhanced our lives with his spirit and soul.

Tuttle pushed to have tattoos more socially acceptable, especially for women.

In 1970 after Tuttle tattooed Janis Joplin’s wrist with a bracelet and on her breast with a heart, Rolling Stone featured him on the cover of the magazine.

In 2014, Tuttle, who tattooed over 95 percent of his body, became the first individual to tattoo on all of the seven continents.

A memorial service which will be for the public will take place at Eversol Funeral Home on March 30, at 2 pm. PT.

Written by Barbara Sobel

Sources:

Seattle PI: San Francisco’s ‘father of modern tattooing’ dies at age 87
SF Chronicle: Lyle Tuttle, pioneering SF tattoo artist, dies at 87

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Bob Dass’ Flickr – Creative Commons License