Sutherland Macdonald: The Michelangelo of Tattooing
A back piece by Sutherland Macdonald. Via: The Public Domain Review.
Tattoos boast a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, yet their acceptance in society has only emerged in recent decades. Today, individuals utilise tattoos as a means of self-expression and body adornment, free from the once-prevailing societal taboos. Within the realm of tattooing, one name stands out prominently: Sutherland Macdonald. Often hailed as the “Michelangelo of tattooing,” his reputation speaks volumes about his exceptional talent and influence in modern tattooing.
Little is known about Macdonald’s early life, including his formal training and how he entered the tattooing profession. His first exposure to tattooing is believed to have occurred during his service in the British Army in the 1880s. Already a skilled artist, Macdonald reportedly took to tattooing effortlessly. He was not only an accomplished tattoo artist but also performed colour blending on skin grafts for accident victims, showcasing his diverse artistic talents. After leaving the army, Macdonald began his professional tattooing career, initially using hand tools. In 1894, he patented his electric tattooing machine in Britain, marking a significant advancement in tattoo technology. He started with small, decorative designs and quickly progressed to larger, more intricate works of art. His portfolio included Japanese dragons, replicas of salon paintings by artists like William-Adolphe Bouguereau, and wildlife scenes by Archibald Thorburn.
Portrait of Sutherland Macdonald (1860–1942) from The Sketch, 1895. Credit: York House Studio.
While tattooing had long been a prevalent and esteemed practice in Asia, it was not as widely accepted or practised in Europe. Macdonald played a pivotal role in changing this landscape, becoming England’s first professional tattoo artist in the late 19th century. Although he was not the first tattoo artist in England overall, his establishment marked the beginning of a more formalised tattooing business, akin to what we recognise today. Opening his salon on London’s Jermyn Street in 1894, Macdonald offered a professional tattoo service that quickly became the go-to destination for quality tattoos in London. Jen Kavanagh, curator of the exhibition Tattoo London dedicated to Macdonald, noted that while tattooing did exist in London before his time, his presence marked a significant development in the city’s tattoo culture. Macdonald stood among pioneers like Tom Riley and George Burchett, catering to a diverse clientele that included dukes, maharajahs, and even the kings of Norway and Denmark. He is often credited with sparking a tattoo craze in Britain. Legend has it that he unwittingly tattooed King George V, a deed that allegedly contributed to his rise in popularity, though this claim remains unverified.
A poster for Macdonal’s salon. Via: The Public Domain Review.
Macdonald’s brilliance extended beyond his artistic talent; he possessed a savvy for attracting wealth by elevating the status of tattooing. At the time, tattoos were often associated with shadowy figures — sailors, soldiers, and criminals — leading to a general disdain towards individuals adorned with ink. Macdonald shattered these perceptions by adopting a professional look, donning a white coat reminiscent of a medical practitioner. He innovated with cutting-edge technology, credited with inventing the first electromagnetic tattoo machine. His studio, strategically located near a popular Turkish bath, exuded an air of fashionable orientalism, adorned with opulent cushions. By registering his practice in the Post Office Directory, Macdonald not only legitimised his craft but also prompted the creation of a new category of business, further cementing tattooing’s place in society.
Macdonald garnered widespread recognition as one of the foremost artists in tattooing history. Beyond his artistic achievements and celebrity status, his impact on the tattoo world was profound. Burchett offered this perspective on his esteemed colleague: “For nearly forty years crowned heads and famous people climbed the narrow staircase in Jermyn Street to visit Macdonald and to leave bearing some of the most wonderful ornaments ever placed on human skin. A well-spoken, intelligent and gentle man, Sutherland Macdonald made friends of his customers, who treated him as an equal.”
