Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins

Today marks the anniversary of the legendary Norman Keith Collins' death (January 14, 1911 - June 12, 1973).  Most people best know him as Sailor Jerry; the tattoo artist.  Born in Northern California, Norman started to learn the art of tattooing from Gib "Tatts" Thomas in Chicago during the 1920s.  When he turned 19 years of age Norman joined up with the United States Navy.  With them he travelled the seas wide across the Pacific, China and Japan before finally settling down in Hawaii in the early 1930s.  It was here that Norman opened up his Sailor Jerry Tattoo Parlour in Honolulu's Hotel Street.  Having been fascinated with Asian art and culture through his travels and seafaring ending up in Honolulu's Chinatown just felt right to him.  With all the hustle and bustle of sailors passing through and Chinatown feeding his interest in their culture it was a good mix of the two things close to his heart.

Of course this is a very very brief insight into the life of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins.  He was much more than just a sailor and tattoo artist.  He was an innovator for the tattoo industry.  Setting the standards high in both his craft and the way he worked.  SJ didn't lose his sea-legs altogether when he set up shop but remained a sailor to his death working as a skipper on a large three-masted schooner.  As they say - Once a Sailor.  Always a Sailor!

My personal growing fascination with tattoos and tattooing has led me to all different places including The London Tattoo Convention last year.  My own tattoos also seem to attract a lot of attention which I am still getting use to.  I had my very first tattoo ten years ago and since then have added a few more to my body.  Currently I have a list with a number of designs in mind including a big thigh piece which I am holding off on for the moment.  I'm hoping that Valerie will again work on this piece for me; that is if she can fit me in!  My last piece was made a year and two days ago, haha I am literally counting down the days.  You can tell I'm craving for my next.  They say it's addictive and I guess it is!

My own classic style tattoo - 6yrs old

Right this very moment if you happen to be in London you may well have come across the pop-up bar Sailor Jerry - 'Hotel Street' on Charing Cross Road.  It opened up in April and will be around until mid July (not very long) so be sure to swing by if you are in town.  I have frequented the bar a couple of times and probably will do so many times again before it disappears for good.  During the day you can grab yourself a coffee, some merchandise, as well as view some of Sailor Jerry's original flashes on the 2nd floor exhibition.  In the evening the bar starts to flow and music plays.  Bands and events run on various dates which you can find out about via their FB page or on their website.  I highly recommend a visit.  It's rather cute!

Blurrry pic of me with the wall of flashes...

The Bar where I am yet to try 'Hotel Hooch'

Hmm... I have always wanted an anchor and a pair of swallows but just haven't figured out where I want to place them on my body.  Maybe I'll have something small inked very soon.

Until next time... Make mine a large Rum and Coke with Lime.  Cheers SJ!
Alison xx

The Domestic Burlesque Book Launch

It must be around two years ago now that I opened the doors to my home and welcomed Elsa Quarsell in.

Since then, there has been more clicks of her camera, a couple of exhibitions and now the launch of the book - The Domestic Burlesque.  A couple of Thursdays ago I popped up to North London to Angel to a cute little antique book store which was the venue for the launch.

It went with a bang - a successful launch and book.

A cheesy pic of book and I - it had to be done  :)

There I am in the book.  Look me up.

I did my first impromptu book signing which was unexpected; I didn't even have a pen or knew what to write.  We all went around to collect signatures on the night.  Now I feel like I should try and get my whole book signed!  It would take me to Japan and the US which I wouldn't complain about.  I personally think you should all go out there and pick up a copy to support Elsa and the burlesque scene.  Of course it's also a damn fine coffee table book to have laying around.

Here are a few links from press etc...

Erotic Review

Timeout

Mudkiss

Enjoyment and laughter was had by all!

The lovely Elsa and I

She's not actually that short, pretty tall in fact.

Busy in and out!

Cover Art

An interview with Elsa will follow soon.  Lastly I would like to say a huge congratulations to Elsa for her amazing work and for letting me be involved! xxx

A little out-take

Do you like my pen?  :P

London Tattoo Convention 2011

Well, this Saturday gone I went to my very first tattoo convention!  I have been wanting to visit one for some time now having seen both the London and Brighton ones advertise over the years.  Also from back when I was still performing burlesque I had been asked to perform at a convention, although I cannot remember if it was the same one.  Maybe it was but it was at the London Olympia and I was already engaged so could not perform unfortunately.

The London Tattoo Convention was again being held at The Tobacco Dock in Wapping for the fourth year running.  I had intended on having another tattoo done at the convention but one thing or another led me to decide against it for this time.  Maybe I will have one at next years event if I attend again.  They had a free bus running to take you to the tobacco dock from Tower Hill which was great as we weren't really sure how to get there.  Although the bus journey only seemed to take 5 minutes.  The inside of the the bus was all bubblegum blue and pink loveliness!  Kate took some photos of me in the bus but I haven't seen them yet.

Once inside we went to explore all the different artists, rooms and booths.  There were so many people to see but of course there were plenty of time to do so.  Even though I had already decided not to have one done here this year I was still on the look out for a good artist.  They are hard to come by, the ones you really love.  It is for life after all.

A lovely looking gal with her man having some work done.

The boys - Thom and Fred as we sat down for a wee drink.

Kate and I messing around.

Kate with her newly dyed 'apricot' hair which I love!

On our way in the lovely gorgeous Vanessa Lake walked pass us, and here she is at her calendar signing.  I also love her hair!  Again, another thing that makes me misses mine.  I still haven't figured out what to do with it yet since my last post.

After Fred decided who he wanted to have his tattoo work by we spent the evening drinking and watching performances in Vince Rays Voodoo Crypt and on the main stage.  If you happen to come across any photos of me at the convention I would love to see them.  I had my picture taken on several occasions as I seem to at such events.  There are lots of random photos of me floating around the internet and I have no idea where.

This strong girl  held on for at least 5 seconds like that.

The Fuel Girls breathing flames on everyone.

After a bit of much needed food, especially for Fred we went on our way to Spider Murphy's Tattoo booth.  Now if I were to have work done by anyone else other than Valerie I think it would be them.  I especially liked Pauls work.  I believe they will definitely be back next year so who knows.  Or maybe I will be lucky enough to visit them in their home town of California.  They had their amazing book on sale at the convention but it was a little steep to even consider purchasing at the event.

Here's the artist at work.

The result of £120 well spent!

I wasn't sure what to expect going to a tattoo convention and not having tattoo work but it was fun.  It was great to see all the different artists at work, all the people there to watch, the performances and the general atmosphere.  There was a room of traditional tattooist which looked interesting and very painful.  The food wasn't great but ho-hum.  I didn't buy anything from the stalls but there were quite a few.  There was even a wedding ceremony apparently.  I would go again but have to add that £34 for the ticket is probably a little dear.  Overall it was a thumbs up and a good first visit.

I have to apologize as I am a bad blogger and as usual forgot to take an outfit shot.  Probably forgetting because other people were taking pics of me so didn't end up taking much myself.  Here is one last pic of Kate and I with my staple faux bang and some white roses on the side.  I was wearing my new Vivien of Holloway leopard sarong dress with some nude seamed stockings and a pair of 6 inch black leather, wooden heeled sandals.  This was accompanied by my burgundy faux croc skin vanity case handbag.

Maybe I will see some of you there next year.  Toodles xx

My Weekend of Interiors and the likes - Sunday

After losing an hours sleep due to the clocks going forward, I took an extra long train ride (no thanks to engineering works) towards London!  I was off to meet with my good friend Rebecca for a long overdue day out.  Off I skipped to Bethnal Green; a station which I use to frequent regularly.  Now I looked on with nostalgia, for the last time I alighted here was quite some years ago.  Of course, everything looked the same on the outside, just with a sunny smile!

Arm linked in arm we went along Old Ford Road catching up and giggling.  Where were we going?  To York Hall for the wonderful Vintage Furniture Flea!  As we approached I was already cursing the trains for their delay as I could see many a table/chairs/cabinets being walked out of the hall already.  Darn it!

York Hall itself was really quite something.  A magnificent Georgian building, opened in 1929 by the Duke of York and still standing to this day.  Let me show you what I mean.

Inside was wall to wall furniture and nic-naks.  A place after my own heart but yet again, I had to be under full restraint as I have no more room to fit another piece of furniture no matter how beautiful :(
Why oh why do I always torture myself like this??  At least I could console myself with a few smaller pieces.  And we all know small is beautiful!

Here are all the gems that could've been had...

After a few hours of looking around over and over to make sure we didn't miss any goodies we took a little afternoon tea and cake.  The cakes were real yummy and you were ask to pick your own china teacup too.  How delish!

On my rounds I also happen upon two of my vintage loving gal pals, Fleur and Miss Honey-Bare.  Well surprise, surprise :)

I simply cannot leave empty handed and so below are a few of my purchases.  An Ornament Shelf which I plan to add a lick of paint to before putting up.  I will show you this once it is complete, along with my frames from Saturday.  Some Vintage Buttons and an Owl Tea towel for my sister.  Lastly, one of the first things I spotted.  Two lovely Record Racks, just what I was looking for!  Together my purchases came to just under £43 including tea and cake.  Not bad if I say so myself.

It was such a glorious day we decided we would have a little wonder around.  Not in the park but off to the V&A Museum of Childhood.  Once again, housed in the loveliest of buildings with a most beautiful floor.  One that I would love to have in my home one day.

My picture journey through the museum... page down/end now if you are planning to make a visit yourself!

With just the insert of a 20pence coin this amazing machinery came to life.

I actually bought a reproduction of the little 'Bambi' at Christmas for my sister. 

Loving the handbag station.  That's what I call a stylish set of wheels!

An Original proto-type; complete with mis-matched body parts of other dolls.

Nothing beats Dogtanian!

I had both of these when I was a young-un.  What did you have?

Were these actually played with?  It's just too extravagant!

Right then, that was that.  My last weekend was a thoroughly enjoyable one.  It's all workworkwork this weekend however.  I hope you are enjoying yours! xx