its funny how things have changed... the tattoo fad in england was started when the prince of wales in 1862 got a tattoo of a cross on his arm. suddenly there were tattoos popping up all over the english aristocracy. and yet now - as dave pointed out - its been completely turned on its head
Indeed you are right, tattooing was the reserve of the aristocracy and the upper classes as they were the only ones that could afford it.
Now tattooing has become very open to everyone, but i personally dont think class has anything to do with it, as i do know many people that are upper class and high middle class that are tattoo'd and from my experience in tattoo parlours themselves there are a lot of people from this class range that inquire and then get tattoo'd.
The reason i put forth my suggestion that it is age related is . . .
a, due to tattoo views and what they represented from the 1950's to the late 80's is very different to what it is now. They were still very much associated with criminals and social delinquints.
b, Different styles of tattooing have become displayed meaning people have more access to designs and styles such as japanese/mauri/tribal/black and grey/portrait. These have greatly evolved from the initial "flash art" that so many people have come to regret.
This has also come with the evolution of tattoo artists having a technical and artistic background which enables the artist to give an even more detailed and intricate design.
As for this common "fad" of tribal, it is generally a design that is free handed (drawn straight onto the skin by the artist) to give a totally unique and individual design. This style has its roots that lie in french polynesia with the Mauri. This style of bold lines represented many different things and depending on what the client wants will depend on the design and generally its placement. It is becoming quite common now but it is a very simple basis that can create many amazing designs.
