Good Afternoon, Speakeasy Fam. It’s pretty likely that if you’re here at this blog, reading this post, you have a particular fondness for tattoos. I know how you feel! I am now entering my third month as the resident apprentice at Speakeasy Tattoo LA. As a result, this program makes me wonder how people entered this industry in the past or how it was formed. This brings me to the person I will discuss today, Maud Wickham.
Maud Stevens Wickham was a trailblazer in the tattooing world and is often considered to be the first American female tattoo artist. She was born in 1871 and initially pursued a career in art before transitioning to tattooing. Wickham was trained as an artist and had a background in painting and illustration, which gave her the skills necessary for tattooing. While specific details about her training are scarce, it’s believed that she may have apprenticed under a male tattoo artist, which was a common route for aspiring tattoo artists, even though it was rare for women.
Around 1907, she opened her own tattoo parlor in New York City, becoming one of the first women to do so. Her unique designs and approach helped her build a clientele. Wickham’s decision to pursue tattooing was also a statement against societal norms regarding women’s roles. She set an example for other women by succeeding in a male-dominated space. Her journey reflects her passion for art and her determination to forge a new path, making her a significant figure in the history of tattooing. Understanding tattoo history is important in knowing where we came from, how we got here, and where we are heading.
Thanks for reading and being a part of this journey with me. I’m excited to share more with you next Sunday, so stay tuned!
Sunny