Franklin Paul Rogers (1905–1990) was an American tattoo artist. He trained under Cap Coleman in Norfolk, Virginia from 1945–1950.[1] He designed tattoo machines, which he called "irons", a term he coined that is used in the industry. People from all over the world would visit him in his “Iron Factory” where he taught them about tattoo machine building. In his early life, he was in the traveling circus.[2] He also helped start a mail-order supply business, Spaulding & Rogers.[3] He is buried at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Franklin Paul Rogers | |
|---|---|
 Paul Rogers, National Tattoo Convention 1988 Orlando. | |
| Born | 9 September 1905 Swain County, North Carolina, US |
| Died | 27 February 1990 |
| Burial place | Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Chesapeake, Virginia, US |
| Other names | Paul Rogers |
| Occupation | Tattoo artist |
| Spouse | Helen Gertrude Rogers |
Rogers contributed to the development of the American traditional tattoo style.[4] Don Lucas, a tattoo artist and tattoo historian, wrote a book based on interviews with him, titled The Father of American Tattooing (1990).[5]
References
edit- ^ "A Short History of Military Tattoos: The tradition is a mainstay in American military history". VFW Magazine. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
- ^ DeMello, Margo (2014-05-30). Inked: Tattoos and Body Art around the World. Bloomsbury Publishing USA. p. 558. ISBN 978-1-61069-076-8.
- ^ Eldridge, C.W. (2007). "Paul Rogers". Tattoo Archive. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Donaldson, Jesse (11 Mar 2013). "The Sailors' Art of Tattoos". The Tyee. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
- ^ Woodward, Alex (2015-03-16). "Inside the New Orleans Tattoo Museum & Studio". The Advocate. Retrieved 2024-11-10.