18 November 2008
Newsdesk
Some of the tattoo artwork of one of the world’s most influential artists will be displayed for the first time in the UK this November. Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, the man behind the legendary rum brand, is having his work exhibited in a fittingly unique setting – one of London’s top bars, Cargo in Shoreditch.
The Art of Sailor Jerry is an exhibition designed to tell the Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins’ story by exploring his tattoo designs, his influences, footage from his life and ultimately, his enduring legacy.
The man himself, Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins was an uncompromising original. He was an icon, a unique figure towering over American folk art and the founding father of modern tattoo design. His legend inspired the rum that bears his name, Sailor Jerry rum, and his artwork is without doubt the best the world over having influenced masters such as Ed Hardy and Lyle Tuttle.
Sailor Jerry Collins was the first man to tattoo with purple ink – then thought to be impossible, the first to meld eastern influences with traditional American folk art and a man who left a legacy of legends. Find out the stories behind how a statue of King Kamehameha, the first King of Hawaii got the Sailor Jerry treatment as part of a late night prank and how a close rival had a heart attack at the sheer boldness of his work at The Art of Sailor Jerry exhibition.
This November brings the chance to see his story brought to life in the vivid colours that he inked on skin and the rich tales he left behind.
The Art of Sailor Jerry opens on November 19th at 8pm and runs until November 21st.
Look out for the Sailor Jerry girls who will be handing out samples of Sailor Jerry Rum and iconic temporary tattoos during the private viewing. Plus remember to enter the competition at Cargo which runs across the duration of the event, where the prize up for grabs is one of the exclusive pieces from The Art of Sailor Jerry.
