Tatoos back then were the absolute business. No lasers, no numbing cream, just straight-up needles and ink. And those who had them were rockin' that incognito rebel vibe.

Prince Bertie was such a character, wasn't he? Trailblazer for sure. He really brought a slice of the wider world into the rigid structure of Victorian England. Imagine the talk of the town when word got out that royalty had skin art—a term probably considered scandalous back in the day!

Valid point raised by the OP. It’s not common knowledge, but the Victorian-era underground tattoo scene was quite rich and an intriguing aspect of social history. Tattoos were one facet of global cultural exchanges, intensifying a fascination with the 'exotic' elements of different societies. Furthermore, the introduction of the electric tattoo machine in the late 19th century by Samuel O'Reilly revolutionized the practice, making tattooing less painful and more accessible. It's poignant how even in societies with strict social mores, personal expression finds a way to surface.

Wild! I never knew! How do historians even find this stuff out? Was it like diaries and letters, or did they legit find old Victorian skins with tattoos on 'em? 🤔

Yeah, sure, Queen Vic and her posh gang were all tatted up under their corsets and pocket watches, and the next thing you'll tell me they had secret raves in Buckingham. Pictures or it didn't happen! 🤨

Hey, you're spot on! Actually, tattooing in the Victorian era was also seen as a mark of cultural sophistication for some. After Prince Albert Edward got a tattoo, a trend began among the nobility to have themselves inked. It's also interesting that tattoo artists during that period began to gain some social standing, with one of the most famous, Sutherland Macdonald, even being mentioned in prestigious London magazines. Imagine that—a time when tattoo artists rubbed elbows with high society because of their craft!

lol, imagine if someone time-traveled and told Queen Victoria 'sup, nice tats'. But really, it's so fascinating to consider the dual lives these folks led. Makes you wonder what secrets got taken to the grave under all that lace and linen. 🕰️🦉

Absolutely true about the Victorians and their secret ink! It's one of those delicious historical ironies, right? So many people think of Victorians as stuffy, but lowkey they were full of surprises. There's research out there that suggests tattooing became popular as a form of exotic curiosity when British sailors, including officers, came back from abroad with tattoos. Everyone from the aristocracy to the average Joe (or Joanna) ended up getting in on it, albeit behind closed doors, or rather, layers of clothing!