Bert Grimm (February 8, 1900 – 1985) Born in Portland, Oregon, A legend of American tattooing and tattoo flash.
Legend and career tattoo artist Bert Grimm defined the Classic American style of tattooing. Alongside artists like Sailor Jerry and Don Hardy, he helped outline many of the tattoo motifs we see so popular today. Grimm was reported to have spent a year with the Buffalo Bill Wild West show and to have started tattooing as early as 1916. His bold style and years of work marked his own definitive style of American Tattoo art.
Grimm operated shops in Chicago, Honolulu, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles, Long Beach, St Louis, Portland and Seaside Oregon, and China. Arguably his most famous operation is Bert Grimm’s World Famous Tattoo at the Pike in Long Beach, CA. With the amusement park pier and a constant influx of sailors, local workers and underworld types, Bert’s shop became a heaven for the art of tattoo. Operated through the 1950s and 60s, World Famous Tattoo is the longest continually operated tattoo shop in the country. After successfully running World Famous Tattoo for decades, Grimm relocated to and retired in Portland, OR. It wasn't long, however, until he found himself back in the tattoo business until 1977.
Legacy
Bert Grimm will be remembered for defining a classic American tattoo tradition and spreading its gospel throughout the world. Today, his anchors, crosses and eagles eternally mark thousands of adherents attracted to his bold style of tattooing. Grimm proclaimed himself, the "world's greatest tattooist," claim that may just stand the test of time. So next time you find yourself in the LBC make sure to take a walk through Pike and get a little taste of Bert Grimm's history - A rumored museum is in the works.
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