Roses

Bert Grimm was an outstanding figure in the American tattoo industry and made innumerable contributions to the trade, setting standards still followed to this day. When he was just fifteen years old, he ran away and began his tattoo journey. For several years he was on the road gaining experience from the other tattoo artists he met on his travels. In the 1930s, Grim started applying his experience in St. Louis. For 26 years, he inked the backs, chests, and arms of hundreds of military men and in-port riverboat workers. Rose symbolism began in Persia where it was seen as a sign of masculinity. Throughout time it became more commonly associated with femininity. The rose tattoo gained popularity amongst sailors in the 1930’–s-1950’–s. Sailors were often seen with rose tattoos on their bodies, more specifically on their chests, as reminders of their loved ones they had to leave behind in war. It was also a common occurrence to see sailors with rose tattoos that incorporated hearts and their lover's names.