Carhartt WIP AU visits Tattoo Rosies, a traditional tattoo shop in Surry Hills, where co-owner Caleb Harrower shares the story behind the shop’s name and its connection to Australian tattoo history. Speaking with us, Caleb reflects on his early fascination with tattoos, the evolution of Sydney’s tattoo culture, and the exciting plans for the shop’s upcoming 10th anniversary.
Carhartt WIP AU and Tattoo Rosie's came together to create an exclusive apron for the shop staff.
Words: Jye Barclay
Photos: Viru Helaratne
Tell us about Tattoo Rosies, is there meaning behind the name?
We’re a traditional tattoo shop with a strong connection to Australian tattoo history, located in Surry Hills, Sydney. The shop originally started as a kind of co op situation when the shop we all worked at closed- Shanghai Charlie’s. So it being a person’s name was a nod to that shop. Also a lot of Tattooer’s from the past would refer to themselves that way. Tattoo Peter from Amsterdam, for example. From there it’s one of those chicken-or-the-egg scenarios. I had just gotten a puppy so there was a list of shop names and also dog names. So Rosie is also my very near 10 year old pitbull. The shop now run by Ben Hastings and myself (and Rosie).
What initially drew you to tattoo culture, and how did you become involved in the scene?
My Dad had one tattoo right on his bicep. A Skull and crossbones with flames and ‘Mothers Worry’ written beneath it. I remember always being fascinated with it as a kid and it’s certainly where my interest started. As I got deeper into tattooing I learnt it was tattooed by Alex Chatter in Paddington in the mid 60’s- One of the OG’s of Sydney tattooing. Alex’s son Max was also a tattooist and legend of the Cross and still very involved in Sydney’s tattoo scene.
Sydney has a rich history in tattooing, how have artists like Fred Heinrich and Bob Wood helped shape the look of Australian Tattooing?
Australian tattooing has such a distinct style. More influenced from English tattooing than American. And then Sydney had its own thing amongst all this too. Bold and Bright. There’s lot of character, more expression, movement, humour and a different colour palette, all this influenced by the clientele of the time. Mean skulls, wedge tailed eagles, Aussie banter. These differences have become really recognisable and appreciated by people recently. Here and abroad.
And is a major influence of the shops.
How would you describe the current tattoo culture in Sydney? Has it evolved over the years?
It’s evolved a lot. People are more open and appreciative of the ‘Sydney Style’. It’s really resonating with people at the moment. It’s come full circle. Sleeves are back.
With Instagram making it easier to discover new tattoo artists and styles, has it become simpler for artists to guest spot around the world?
For sure. Tattooing and travelling go hand in hand. I’m sure everyone would agree it’s opened us up to alot of industry friendships and opportunities. Instagram’s ultimately a digital tattoo magazine for us- also for punters. So you can visit a city and more than likely have clientele there.
OG Sleevemasters is a legendary name in Sydney’s tattoo scene. Is there a shop from the past that inspires Rosies today?
Absolutely! I was lucky enough to call Greg Ardron who ran Sleevemasters in its heyday a friend. As well as being a huge name in Australian tattooing he was a mad collector and it’s who I got the majority of my collection from. I got to spend a lot of time with him before he passed. Late nights digging through his collection, hearing tales from the Cross. We’ve got the old Sleevemasters signs hanging in the shop as well as a lot of its Flash and other memorabilia. Bob Wood is also a big one for us. He tattooed in Sydney’s West. We’ve got the fair share of Bobs original flash from the 60’s-90’s hanging in his shop. A lot of people come to the shop to have his flash tattooed. People are also really enjoying Fred Heinrich from Sleevemasters designs at the moment- freaky’s one word for them. A definite favourite. Dutchy’s another name to note. I’ll often spot 30-40 yr old tattoos by Dutchy on the street- still packed with colour’s that should had faded by now.
Tatts aside, how important is the merch and visual identity of the shop?
Tattooists and enthusiasts are such big collectors. Whether it’s tattoo’s, books, flash, merch, anything really. I’ve got tattoo shirts back to when I was an apprentice. So merch is something we’ve been putting a lot of energy into lately and having a lot of fun with. Same with Visual identity- even the small things can really paint a picture to people of what we’re about.
Could you tell us about the recent ‘Swap Meet’ event you hosted in Sydney?
Like I was saying, tattooists are hoarders. Was a fun way to bring the community together, socialise and lessen the load-though everyone probably left with more than they came with.
We’ll certainly be making it a regular thing.
What’s next for Tattoo Rosies?
The shops approaching its 10th Birthday which we plan on celebrating. Plenty of new merchandise on the horizon. An art show planned at the PASS-PORT gallery for next year.
And of course a lot of tattoo’s.