11 Chatham Square

11 Chatham Square is the most important address in New York’s vibrant tattoo history. The space first functioned as the shop of Samuel O’Reilly, who in 1891 patented the first electric tattoo machine. Though its widespread use is disputed, the change to the industry the patent represents is huge. For one, electricity changed the soundscape of tattooing. Without it that constant buzz we now associate with the tattoo parlor wouldn’t exist.

After O’Reilly’s death, the shop landed in the hands of arch rival Electric Elmer Getchell. Elmer had, at one point, attempted to sue O’Reilly for infrigement… the basis of the claim being that all credit for the tattoo machine should go to Thomas Edison. (For many reasons, this is actually true. O’Reilly simply played with a preexisting Edison design).

Many other famed Bowery tattooists had their start at 11 Chatham Square. Charlie Wagner, who ruled the Bowery for almost 50 years, apprenticed under O’Reilly. He later moved to 4 Chatham Square and from there created a good many sideshow acts. In 1911 he returned to no. 11, working at the address until his death. Guys like Lew the Jew also worked in the shop. Lew is famed for his flash designs, a function of previous employment in wallpaper design.

Little of the rough and tumble nature of the area remains – save for an Off Track Betting outpost. The long tattoo tradition is basically removed from contemporary street scape, yet for those of us who love tattoo lore  11 Chatham Square remains hallowed ground.

Below is an image of the building as it looks today (or to be exact last Sunday).