Samuel O'Reilly
Encyclopedia
Samuel O'Reilly was a successful New York tattoo artist
and the inventor of the modern rotary tattoo machine, which he patented in 1891. He began tattooing in New York around 1875. O'Reilly's machine was based on the rotary technology of Thomas Edison
's autographic printing pen. It was the first tattooing device which ran off of electricity. Tattoo machines have had very few changes since then.
O'Reilly owned a shop in New York City at #11 Chatham Square. Charles Wagner worked with O'Reilly as an apprentice.
In 1908, Samuel O'Reilly fell while painting his house and died.
Tattoo artist
A tattoo artist is an individual who applies permanent decorative tattoos, often in an established business called a tattoo shop, tattoo studio or tattoo parlour...
and the inventor of the modern rotary tattoo machine, which he patented in 1891. He began tattooing in New York around 1875. O'Reilly's machine was based on the rotary technology of Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison
Thomas Alva Edison was an American inventor and businessman. He developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb. In addition, he created the world’s first industrial...
's autographic printing pen. It was the first tattooing device which ran off of electricity. Tattoo machines have had very few changes since then.
O'Reilly owned a shop in New York City at #11 Chatham Square. Charles Wagner worked with O'Reilly as an apprentice.
In 1908, Samuel O'Reilly fell while painting his house and died.