Stoney St. Clair: Sword Swallower, Sideshow Tattooer, Teacher of the Art
Stoney St. Clair swallowed swords in a circus sideshow, then tattooed old school from 1928 to 1980. His life, his flash, and his tattoo on Ed Hardy.
Our Stoney wall at Electric Street Tattoo: a Stoney St. Clair tribute sheet from Tattoo Flash Collective, next to a framed photo of Stoney in his shop.
Leonard "Stoney" St. Clair (1912–1980) was a circus sword swallower who became one of the great characters of American tattooing. He tattooed from a wheelchair, on the road with circuses and carnivals and later in his own shops, for more than 50 years. His Columbus, Ohio, shop called him "the Teacher of the Art."
He isn't as famous as Sailor Jerry. But if you love traditional tattooing, Stoney is worth knowing. His life is the old carnival road that our style came from.
Who was Stoney St. Clair?
Stoney was born Leonard L. St. Clair in West Virginia in 1912, in coal country. His grandfather and father worked in the mines.
At four he was struck by rheumatoid arthritis. He never walked again, and his growth was stunted. His father, who earned $2.50 a day, paid to send him to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, where he stayed 24 months. That's where he learned to draw. He used up his stationery drawing circus wagons, one per sheet, and pasted them into a long parade.
Folklorist Alan Govenar, who knew him well, says Stoney could barely open his hands flat. He could still draw and paint, and later tattoo.
From sword swallower to tattooer
The circus was in the family. Stoney had an uncle in the business, and he wanted in.
His break came from a German sword swallower named Gretchen. She was fired from a show in Bluefield, West Virginia, about 30 miles from his home, heard his story and took him under her wing. In his telling, within three days she had a stove poker down his throat. He joined the show as a teenager, making $75 a week with three meals a day and a berth on the circus train.
Then the circus played Norfolk, Virginia. Stoney went into the shop of August "Cap" Coleman, one of the best-known tattooers of the day, and watched a man put an eagle on a sailor's back.
"I knew I could draw a better eagle than that," he said.
He borrowed a sheet of paper and drew one. Coleman asked how he'd learned. Stoney said he just picked it up. He came back every day the show was in town. On the last day, Coleman gave him two old machines and a few sheets of designs. Professor E.J. Miller, across the street, showed him how to cut a stencil with a phonograph needle and gave him black and red.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Stoney practiced on grapefruits. Then he tattooed showmen behind the elephant barn. When the show's tattooer got into a fight with the sideshow boss and was run off, the boss put the kid on the platform: names and hearts, nothing complicated. He said he'd advertise for a new tattooer. He never did.
That was 1928. For the rest of his life, Stoney signed himself "Tattooist of the Old School since 1928."
Life on the road
For about 50 years Stoney tattooed with circuses and carnivals across the country. Between tattoos he ran snake shows. He worked them as an educational exhibit, he said: "no damn geek or wild man crap."
He crossed paths with the big names of the era. He spent two months working in Charlie Wagner's shop on the Bowery in New York to raise money to get to Florida. He carried daggers on his flash that he got from a tattooer called Sailor Catsy, who was killed by his own python at a small zoo below Tampa.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
He settled into shops too. He had a shop in Tampa, Florida. He tattooed in New Orleans, where he said a lot of his old material disappeared. His last shop was on High Street in Columbus, Ohio, under a sign reading "Stoney Knows How." He tattooed there until he died in Columbus in 1980.
Stoney's style and flash
Stoney was proud to be old school, and he could tell you what that meant.
"It's the shading, it's not the color," he said. You can use a minimum of color, but with real good shading it stands out. The old tattoos done with heavy shading, he said, still looked better on people 50 years later.
His walls were a record of American flash:
- Classic street designs: eagles, hearts, roses, daggers, bears, and names. Cover-ups of old girlfriends' names were steady work. "The only safe name to put on you is 'mom'," he said.
- Old designs passed down: some sheets, he said, came from an older tattooer named Grimshaw, and some, like the World War I Red Cross nurse called the "Rose of No Man's Land," went back generations.
- Cartoon characters: Barney Google, Happy Hooligan, the Katzenjammer Kids, and his own cartoon rats.
- Skulls: his skull sheets were shown alongside Bert Grimm's in a New York exhibition drawn from Lyle Tuttle's collection.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
One of his best-known sheets is a little devil with the line "This Little Devil Should Be Transfered to Heaven, He Has Served His Time in Hell."
Stoney's "This Little Devil" sheet, one of his best-known designs. Via Instagram, @stoneystclair_tribute (Stoney St. Clair tribute account).
Stoney's work was folk art in the truest sense. Rich Thomas, curator of the Ohio Tattoo Museum, has worked for years to keep Stoney's memory alive. He puts it this way: the same designs were done over and over in shop after shop, and each tattooer's own take is what made it folk art.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
The museum holds real Stoney sheets, too. Tattooer Durb Morrison donated his 12 sheets of original Stoney flash for its grand opening.
Durb Morrison with the 12 framed sheets of original Stoney St. Clair flash he donated to the Ohio Tattoo Museum. Via Instagram, @durbmorrison.
He worked the old way. He showed the film crew how he dusted powdered charcoal into a scratched stencil, greased the skin and pressed the stencil down to leave a guide line. He also had a code. The sign in his shop said he worked "with intelligence and skill, wishing not to offend anyone, but instead with my love of mankind to do what good I can before I die."
When Stoney tattooed Ed Hardy
The best footage of Stoney is the scene where he tattoos Ed Hardy.
By then Hardy was already a big name. He had trained with Phil Sparrow, studied in Japan through Sailor Jerry's connections and was bringing Japanese style into American tattooing. He came to Columbus while Govenar was filming Stoney Knows How, and he asked Stoney for a souvenir tattoo.
He picked a cartoon rat off Stoney's wall, a "Columbus rat." Hardy said he'd always liked cartoon rats, and that "rat" had been his nickname as a kid at the beach. He wanted something with "a happy feeling to it."
Stoney grumbled that he didn't have a machine working right. Hardy disagreed: "You got a light touch, Stoney." He praised how Stoney blended color in the old-school way and said he'd hardly seen anyone else still doing it. Stoney called it "a souvenir of Stoney's."
The same designs traveled from shop to shop. Earlier in the film, Hardy and Stoney look over his old mermaid flash, and Hardy recognizes it: he'd seen Sailor Jerry's painted version from the early 1940s. Two tattooers from opposite sides of the trade, the carnival road and the art school, talking about the same flash. That's traditional tattooing.
Stoney St. Clair tattoos Ed Hardy, from the documentary Stoney Knows How (Alan Govenar and Bruce "Pacho" Lane, filmed by Les Blank). Via YouTube, docfilm (@ethnoscope).
Stoney Knows How: the book and the film
Stoney's story survives because a college student wandered past his shop one night. Alan Govenar, then studying folklore at Ohio State, saw the signs: "As Ancient as Time, as Modern as Tomorrow" and "Tattooing by the Teacher of the Art since 1928." Stoney chased him off for taking photos without asking, then invited him in when he came back.
Govenar recorded Stoney's life in his own words. The result was the book Stoney Knows How: Life as a Tattoo Artist (University Press of Kentucky, 1981), later expanded as Life as a Sideshow Tattoo Artist by Schiffer with photos and flash. Govenar and Bruce "Pacho" Lane also made a short documentary of the same name, shot by filmmaker Les Blank. It premiered at New York's Film Forum in 1981, and Vincent Canby of The New York Times called Stoney "an ebullient little man with the gift of gab of a circus tout."
Stoney didn't live to see either one. He died in 1980. Govenar says Stoney had one request: that his obituary call him "an actor on the outdoor stage. Not only a tattoo artist."
Why Stoney matters to traditional tattooing
Stoney connects a lot of the people traditional tattooers still talk about: Cap Coleman in Norfolk, Charlie Wagner on the Bowery, the sideshow tattooers of the circus lots, and, through that afternoon in Columbus, Ed Hardy and the Sailor Jerry line.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
He also shows what traditional tattooing is at heart: a trade handed down hand to hand, flash copied and redrawn, and tattoos built to last. Near the end of the film he says he hopes someone will look at the daisies over his grave and say he didn't butcher it up. "He carried it on, and handed down anyway."
Someone did. Columbus tattooer Joey Knuckles owns most of Stoney's surviving flash, and he still tattoos the designs.
Joey Knuckles tattooing one of Stoney's designs. Joey owns most of Stoney's surviving flash. Via Instagram, @joeyknucklestattoo.
Joey tells how he ended up with Stoney's flash, and a lot more, in this interview.
Joey Knuckles on Stoney St. Clair, a 44-minute interview. Via YouTube, Tattoos In Review.
Old school tattoos in Fort Lauderdale
Electric Street Tattoo is a traditional American tattoo shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County. Like every traditional shop, we work in the same tradition Stoney carried on, and our walls are full of flash from it. Meet our artists.
Walk-ins are welcome. Pick something off the wall, or request a tattoo.
Stoney St. Clair FAQ
Who was Stoney St. Clair?
Leonard "Stoney" St. Clair (1912–1980) was a West Virginia-born circus sword swallower who started tattooing in 1928 and worked the circus and carnival circuit, then shops including Tampa and Columbus, Ohio.
How did Stoney St. Clair learn to tattoo?
In Norfolk, Virginia, Cap Coleman gave him two old machines and some designs after seeing him draw an eagle. He practiced on grapefruits, then on showmen behind the elephant barn.
Did Stoney St. Clair tattoo Ed Hardy?
Yes. The documentary Stoney Knows How shows Stoney tattooing a cartoon "Columbus rat" on Ed Hardy as a souvenir.
Where can I watch Stoney Knows How?
The film streams on Folkstreams, the Criterion Channel and Vimeo On Demand. The Ed Hardy scene is on YouTube.
Where can I get an old school tattoo near Fort Lauderdale?
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd. Walk in or request a tattoo.
Ink and Legacy: Why Tradition Matters at Electric Street Tattoo
Why a traditional tattoo shop honors the tattooers who came before: respect, integrity and craft over social media trends. From Electric Street Tattoo.
Standing on the shoulders of those before us
In the ever-evolving world of tattoo artistry, traditions hold a special place, and Electric Street Tattoo proudly carries the torch of love, passion, and dedication. At our tattoo parlor, we firmly believe in standing on the shoulders of those who paved the way before us, recognizing the legacy of artists who contributed their blood, sweat, and tears to the craft.
Tattoo needles
Tattooing is a labor of love
In an era dominated by the pursuit of social media fame, Electric Street Tattoo stays true to the essence of tattooing — a labor of love. Our commitment goes beyond online trends; it’s deeply rooted in preserving the timeless art of tattooing. We embrace the enduring values that have shaped classic Americana tattoos, maintaining a standard of respect and integrity in every piece we create.
Leaving a legacy
For us, tattooing is not just about the art; it’s about leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of tattooers. Each stroke of the needle echoes a commitment to craftsmanship, telling a story that goes beyond the canvas of the skin. Our dedication is not for fleeting moments of attention; it’s for the enduring passion that transcends trends.
Traditional tattooing
As we continue to blend classic techniques with contemporary creativity, Electric Street Tattoo invites you to join us on a journey that respects the roots of this ancient art form. In a world that often seeks the next big thing, we find strength and beauty in the enduring traditions that define who we are and the art we create.
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Walk-ins welcome, or request a tattoo. (954) 666-1138.
Traditional Tattoo Parlors vs. Private Studios: Which Is Right for You?
Classic walk-in tattoo parlor or appointment-only private studio? How they differ on flash, walk-ins, vibe and specialties, from a traditional shop.
The front door at Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd
In recent years, the world of tattooing has witnessed a remarkable evolution. While traditional tattoo parlors have been the backbone of the industry for generations, trendy private studios have started to pop up everywhere, offering a fresh take on the art of ink. But what sets a traditional tattoo parlor apart from these contemporary counterparts? Let's dive into the world of ink and explore what makes a traditional tattoo parlor unique.
What makes a traditional tattoo parlor different
A Rich Heritage: Traditional tattoo parlors are steeped in history. They carry the legacy of classic American tattooing, which dates back to the early 20th century. These parlors pay homage to legendary artists like Sailor Jerry, who pioneered the iconic style.
Aesthetic Nostalgia: Stepping into a traditional tattoo parlor is like stepping back in time. The décor often features vintage-inspired elements, classic flash art on the walls, and a timeless ambiance that honors the art's heritage.
Iconic Designs: Traditional tattoo parlors are known for their portfolio of iconic designs. From anchors and swallows to roses and nautical symbols, these classic images resonate with clients who appreciate the artistry of simplicity.
Bold and Time-Tested Techniques: Traditional tattoo artists are masters of bold lines and solid black outlines. Many traditional tattooers still love coil machines, though good rotary machines are used in every kind of shop today. What makes it traditional is the bold line and solid color, not the machine. These techniques ensure that your tattoo maintains its clarity and readability for years to come.
Sense of Community: Traditional tattoo parlors often foster a sense of community. Clients and artists share a passion for the history and craftsmanship of traditional tattooing. It's a place where you can connect with fellow enthusiasts.
What private studios offer
Modern Minimalism: Trendy private studios embrace modern minimalism. These spaces often have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that appeals to clients looking for a contemporary atmosphere.
Artistic Versatility: Private studios are known for their versatility. They may offer a wide range of tattoo styles, from realism to abstract art, catering to clients seeking unique and personalized designs.
Customization: In private studios, customization is key. Artists work closely with clients to create tattoos that reflect their individuality. This level of personalization can lead to one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Privacy and Comfort: Private studios offer a more intimate experience. Clients can enjoy privacy and one-on-one attention, which can be especially appealing for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed setting.
How to choose
The choice between a traditional tattoo parlor and a trendy private studio ultimately comes down to personal preferences. Traditional parlors celebrate a rich heritage, iconic designs, and a sense of community, making them an ideal choice for those who appreciate classic tattooing. On the other hand, private studios offer artistic versatility, customization, and a modern aesthetic, appealing to clients seeking unique and personalized ink.
Whichever path you choose, the world of tattooing is vast and diverse, with something for everyone. Whether you're drawn to the timeless traditions of a traditional tattoo parlor or the artistic possibilities of a private studio, the ink you wear should be a reflection of your individuality and style.
What you get at a classic shop
Walk-ins and flash. Pick a design off the wall and get it today, or work out a custom idea with whoever is free.
A crew, not one artist. Several tattooers with different specialties under one roof, so you can match the artist to the tattoo.
No frills. You walk in, get tattooed and walk out with something that lasts.
Community. The buzz of machines, flash on every wall, and people swapping stories while they wait.
Private studios are usually appointment-only. They trade that energy for privacy, a quieter room, and one artist’s full attention. Both can make great tattoos, so pick the experience you want.
Visit a traditional parlor in Fort Lauderdale
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Walk-ins welcome, or request a tattoo. (954) 666-1138. See how walk-ins work and meet our artists.
Bert Grimm: The Grandfather of Old School Tattooing
Who was Bert Grimm? The carnival tattooer from St. Louis and the Long Beach Pike who shaped American Traditional, and his famous tiger.
Grimm Tiger by our own Nick Lazcano
Here at Electric Street Tattoo we like to pay respect where it’s due, and it’s always an honor for us to tattoo these designs handed down by those who came before us.
Who was Bert Grimm?
Bert Grimm is one of those pioneers in the art of tattooing that we look up to.
I’m sure lots of you have heard of Sailor Jerry or Ed Hardy
An even greater portion of you can probably sound off on every ‘Inkmaster’ going all the way back to season one
And while all that is fine and great, there are sooooo many other great tattoo artists that not too many bother acknowledging
Bert Grimm is certainly one of those
From the carnival to the Pike
Like other tattooers of his time he worked as a sideshow tattoo artist traveling the carnival circuit before going on to operate several tattoo studios of his own. Bert Grimm (1900–1985) learned from Sailor George Fosdick and Sailor Charlie Barrs, then tattooed in St. Louis from 1928. In 1954 he bought the Nu-Pike shop in Long Beach, California. He mentored tattooers like Lyle Tuttle and Bob Shaw, and is often called the grandfather of old school. With his stripped down American Traditional style he tattooed the arms, chests and backs of hundreds of military men and covered the bodies of many sideshow attractions.
His contributions are great and his influence on modern day tattooing, unquestionable.
The Grimm tiger
Grimm Tiger by our own Alex Joelle
Read the full history of American Traditional, or about Sailor Jerry. Another carnival-circuit tattooer from the same era: Stoney St. Clair. Want a Grimm tiger? Request a tattoo.
Tattoo apprenticeships in traditional tattoo shops: A history lesson and why they matter
Why tattoo apprenticeships matter at traditional shops: a short history, why online courses aren't the same, and how to find a real apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships have been how tattooing is passed down for generations. They are an essential part of the training process for new tattoo artists, and they play a vital role in preserving the traditions and artistry of traditional tattooing.
A brief history of tattoo apprenticeships
The history of tattoo apprenticeships can be traced back to the early days of tattooing. In traditional cultures, tattoo artists were often trained by their fathers or other family members. These apprenticeships were rigorous and demanding, and they could last for many years.
In the early 20th century, tattooing began to become more popular in the Western world. As a result, more and more people began to seek out tattoo apprenticeships. However, many of these apprenticeships were informal and unregulated. Legends like Bert Grimm learned from the tattooers before them and went on to mentor the next generation.
In the 1970s and 1980s, there was a resurgence in traditional tattooing. During this time, many traditional tattoo shops began to offer formalized apprenticeship programs. These programs were typically two to three years in length, and they covered all aspects of tattooing, from machine maintenance to design and execution.
Why are tattoo apprenticeships important?
Tattoo apprenticeships are important for a number of reasons. First, they provide new tattoo artists with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. Apprenticeships also help to ensure that new tattoo artists are trained in the safe and sanitary practices of tattooing.
In addition, tattoo apprenticeships play a vital role in preserving the traditions and artistry of traditional tattooing. Apprenticeships teach new tattoo artists the classic tattoo designs and techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Why learning online is not the same
While there are some online resources that can be helpful for aspiring tattoo artists, there is no substitute for a traditional tattoo apprenticeship. Online resources cannot provide the same level of hands-on training and mentorship that an apprenticeship can.
In a traditional tattoo apprenticeship, apprentices learn from experienced tattoo artists who can teach them the proper techniques for using a tattoo machine, creating designs, and working with clients. Apprentices also learn about the history and culture of tattooing, as well as the importance of safety and sanitation.
Online resources can be helpful for learning about the basics of tattooing, but they cannot replace the real-world experience of an apprenticeship. If you are serious about becoming a tattoo artist, I encourage you to seek out a traditional tattoo apprenticeship.
How to find a tattoo apprenticeship
If you are interested in finding a tattoo apprenticeship, there are a few things you can do. First, talk to your local tattoo shops and see if they have any apprenticeship openings. You can also search online for tattoo apprenticeship postings.
Once you have found a few potential apprenticeship opportunities, you should visit the tattoo shops and meet with the tattoo artists who are offering apprenticeships. This will give you a chance to learn more about the apprenticeship program and to see if it is a good fit for you.
When choosing a tattoo apprenticeship, it is important to consider the following factors:
The experience and reputation of the tattoo artist
The quality of the tattoo work that the tattoo artist produces
The length and structure of the apprenticeship program
The cost of the apprenticeship program
The bottom line
Tattoo apprenticeships are an essential part of traditional tattoo culture. They provide new tattoo artists with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, and they play a vital role in preserving the traditions and artistry of traditional tattooing.
If you are serious about becoming a tattoo artist, I encourage you to seek out a traditional tattoo apprenticeship. It is the best way to learn the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful tattoo artist.
Tattoo Traditions
Here at Electric Street, we value and appreciate the art and history of tattooing. Tattooing has been around since as early as 3370 BC! Many different countries and cultures have used tattoos for different reasons; such as showing status, representing a tribe, honoring a lost friend or lover, or simply showing off ones freedom.
Tattooing is a tradition.
Tattooing through the 20th century gave way for evolution and growth in style, technique, and equipment. Through the 1910’s - 1930’s, tattoos were mainly found on sailors or sideshow performers at the circus as it was not something very common to see. In the 1940’s, the pioneer of traditional tattooing was on the rise. Norman Keith Collins, better known as “Sailor Jerry”, changed the basis of tattooing in America. He added color to his tattoos which made them stand out. His nautical and military themed designs were very popular amongst those in the service. Eventually, people who were just proud to be Americans were getting patriotic Jerry style tattoos. Tattoos became a symbol of strength and masculinity but was not widely accepted as it was still given a negative social stigma. Over time, tattoos became more popular and more accepted in society. Machines were build better and stronger, inks were made brighter and more diverse, and designs got more intricate. There have been many men that paved the way for modern tattooing and through them, we believe in keeping the tradition alive. We are simply standing on the shoulders of giants.
Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins
Ready for your next tattoo? Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, or request a time with one of our eight artists. Prefer to give one? A gift card goes out by email in minutes.
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park. Serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. 1,100+ Google reviews. (954) 666-1138.