Gallows as we think of them today usually consist of two upright posts and a crossbeam from which a rope with a noose at the end hangs, usually with a trapdoor that will open, or something for the hanged person to stand on that gets pushed or kicked out from under them. But this traditional version of the gallows was not documented until 1760 in England.
Cool gallows and coffin by Devon Rae in Orange County, LAMedieval style gallows by Osang brutal in Seoul, South Korea.Beautifully detailed gallows by Ilja Hummel in Essen, Germany.
Gallows throughout history also refer to crucifixion during the Romans rule, and in the Middle Ages in Paris a square structure with wooden columns from which people would hang in the elements before being dropped into a pit to die.
Gallows over a fire done by Maciek Walczyk at Zaraza Tattoo in Warsa, Poland.Single gallows post by D. Cobb at Gold Irons Tattoo Club in Brighton, UK.
Gallows in their most notable form are meant to break the persons spine, killing them instantly, but often people died by strangulation or even beheading. Until 1832 in England many people were hanged by being drawn up from the platform by a heavy weight, causing death by strangulation which would have been very slow and painful.
Cheeky hanging skeleton by “tippingtattoo” at Township Tattoo.Rectangular gallows by Ewa Lidtke.
Public hangings were very popular and were even treated as good old entertainment for the whole family. In fact, the last public hanging in the United States was only in 1936, with the last public hanging in the United Kingdom taking place in 1868.
Single noose and post by Amber Ida at Seven Tattoo Studio.Gallows and crows on a cloudy day by Levi Polzin at Thunderbird Tattoo in Los Angeles.
As a tattoo, gallows are often done in heavy blackwork, pointillism or dotwork, American traditional, or black and grey. Gallows tattoos are popular with people interested in the more macabre side of life, and many artists who create darker imagery use gallows as a common theme.
Killer back piece with gallows and a badass demon done by Osang in Seoul.
Classic skull and snake for a super cool back piece.A bold red and green rose.
Adam does old school traditional tattoos, mainly in heavy black work but if you take a look at his Instagram you’ll see some bright pieces as well.
Classic crying heart (Bert Grimm) and death mothNo Cure For Fools done in colour
If you’re looking for something classic, look no further. Adam has lots of flash to choose from, but he’ll also do up a custom piece if you ask.
Eagle vs snakeGrim Reaper and rose
Big or small, Adam does it all! Most of his work is smaller pieces that can be done in one or two sessions, but if you’re looking for something big like a sleeve or back he’s got you covered.
Super cool Alien piece done in the classic composition of a panther piece.Treehouse of Horror Bart/Edgar Allan Poe piece
Adam is a must visit artist if you’re in the Worcester area. Be sure to check out his website as well where you can buy books and flash.
Beautiful Rock of Ages.Amazing colours in this bouquet and vase.
Esther does brilliant American traditional work in colour, black and grey, and blackwork.
Super cool Midsommar piece.Healed butterfly and rose and fresh chain and barbed wire.
Her work is made to last, with thick black lines and beautifully bright colours, or heavy blackwork.
Butterfly and stars for a classic throat piece.Killer scorpion.
Esther’s Instagram is full of classics such as Pharaohs Horses, Battle Royale’s, ships and more. But check out her flash for something drawn up by her, or email her for a custom design.
Blackwork Battle Royale.Lady head with flowers in her hair.
Large or small pieces, Esther has you covered. Whether you want a small gap filler in your sleeve or a full back piece, Esther is a must see artist if you’re visiting Montreal or live nearby.
Love this classic spiderweb lady.Awesome blackwork ship and mermaids.
For those who are unfamiliar, the guillotine is a device made for execution by beheading. The structure consists of a tall wooden frame from which a razor sharp and heavy blade hangs ready to fall on its victim who is placed in a stock of sorts, leaving the neck exposed and ready to be separated from its body.
Bloody guillotine by Larry Coffins at Toronto InkWoodblock print style guillotine done by Baynez Graff at Pinecone Gallery Tattoo
The guillotine as we know it was allegedly invented by Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin as a more humane way to execute people. It was significantly quicker than even regular beheading by axe which could be easily botched and would often take two or more swings to finally kill the victim. This specific name “guillotine” dates back to 1789, France, but similar devices with different structural designs existed for centuries before; such as the “planke” in Germany and Flanders dating back to the Middle Ages, and the “Halifax Gibbet” in England which may have been used as far back as antiquity. But the French guillotine design was specifically based off of two other existing execution devices; the “mannaia” from Italy during the Renaissance, and the “Scottish Maiden” from Scotland which was used from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Bold heavy black and dark red guillotine done by Hudson at Lock and Key Tattoo in the UKBright and colourful American traditional guillotine on fire with skulls done by Chin at Common Ground Tattoo in Bangkok
Dr. Guillotin was apparently horrified when the device was named after him, and his family even tried (and failed) to have the name changed in the early 19th century. The French Guillotine claimed its first victim in April 1972, and its last use was in France in 1977 where it was still the main method of execution until capital punishment was stopped in 1981. While hundreds of thousands of people met their bloody end underneath the glinting blade of a guillotine, the most infamous time of its usage was during the French Revolution which took place from September 1793 – July 1794. During this relatively short time a shocking 16,594 people were executed by the guillotine in France, with 2,639 in Paris alone.
American traditional guillotine with demon and skulls done by Chris Spriggs at Iron and Gold TattooBlack and grey traditional guillotine with flower done by Lizzy Michelle at Pacific Tattoos in Eindhoven, Netherlands
Public beheadings existed from the beginning of the French Revolution until 1939 in France, but during the Revolution it was extremely popular for anyone, including families to check out an execution and even grab a bite to eat at the famous “Cabaret de la Guillotine” before watching the bloodbath. There was even a well known trio of women called the “Tricoteuses,” who used to sit next to the guillotine and knitted in between executions. Theatrics even became popular for those being executed with some dancing on their way up the steps, and others offering jokes and sarcastic remarks before their heads rolled away.
Black and grey guillotine on fire done by Mike Marion at Grizzly Tattoo in Port’s End, ORBroken blackwork guillotine done by @phil_bomb_ in Seoul
As tattoos, guillotines are popular with those interested in the darker side of life and history buffs alike. They are easily recognizable and can be done in many styles including American traditional, neo-traditional, black and grey, blackwork, and woodblock print styles. They are often accompanied by decapitated heads, skulls, flowers, flames, and blood.
Blackwork guillotine and head done by Laura Alice Westover“Keep your head up” and guillotine done by Luke Nicou at Lucky Luke’s Traditional Tattooing, Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha, South Africa
Black out tattoos have been growing in popularity over the last few years, with some people even getting full body suits in this style.
Sleeve and chest piece by 3Kreuze at Ruin Your Life Tattoo in GermanyNegative space black out work by Hoode Tattoos at Black Vulture gallery in Philadelphia
Black out tattoos are exactly what they sound like, large amounts of black ink as the subject, sometimes covering older existing tattoos.
Heavy black out work by Dekalcomanu in Toulouse, FranceFresh black out sleeve by Lukasz Melcher at Stygmat Tattoo
Some black out tattoos also feature some geometric style work mixed in, or white ink over top of the black.
Geometric black out work by Guy Le Tattooer at Sigue Sigue SputnikGeometric black out work in progress by Kenji Alucky at Black Ink Power in Berlin
Many black out tattoo collectors do it in part for the experience of getting the tattoo, as a full blackout (especially as a coverup) can be very painful, creating an almost spiritual experience for the person getting tattooed.
Black out sleeve with white ink flower by Miguel Vanacore at Black Club TattooBlack out half sleeve by Xiao Lun at Hailin Tattoo studio in Los Angeles
Most artists who do black out tattoos specialize in it, as it’s not actually all that easy to make a full sleeve or torso look even in its blackness, especially when the piece is done in multiple sessions.
Full black out sleeve by Joe Larralde at Historic Tattoo in Portland, OregonBlack out sleeve around some existing work, by Kalle Koo at Paradise Helsinki
Hattie Rich is an artist working out of Rose of Mercy in London, England. Her work is mainly filed with old school traditional work, but she also does great ornamental pieces.
classic swallow and roseBold crab lady on the neck
Hattie has lots of flash to choose from, both old school and ornamental, or you can also bring your own idea!
Elbow spider-webBlack and grey swallows and flowers
Whether you like bright and colourful, or black and bold, you can be sure Hattie will have something you’ll love. In her flash you’ll find lots of lady heads, flowers, dragons, animals, and more.
Sleeping kewpie and roseHand of glory
The ornamental work currently on Hattie’s Instagram will remind you of delicate lace patterns, and can be made to fit most parts of the body.
Ornamental hand pieceGeisha and dragon
If you can’t make it all the way to London from outside of the UK you can also purchase merchandise and flash from Hattie here. But if you’re in the area or live nearby be sure to get a cool piece from Hattie at Rose of Mercy.
Black and grey Coleman ladyClassic lady and spider-web
Witches have been around for hundreds and hundreds of years, and span across all cultures in various forms and with different names, but we’re all familiar with them, and they’re more popular than ever (in Western culture at least).
A witch being burned at the stake done by Uncle Phil at Wolf and Dagger tattoo, UKA witch and her staff done by Moira Ramone Rotterdam, Netherlands
Witches and witchcraft have had many different meanings over the years, but traditionally it refers to women (often portrayed as old crones) practicing some kind of dark magic that often involves spirits and/or satan himself. Throw in some cannibalism, a pet familiar, and other ghosts and ghouls and you’ve got yourself a party.
A neo-traditonal witch being burned at the stake done by Renae Haak at Diabolik Tattoo in Newcastle, AustraliaA witch being burned at the stake by Bex Priest Tattoos
Wicca is a predominantly western movement whose followers “worship” nature, and base the religion upon pre-Christian traditions of mainly Northern and Eastern Europe. Some important celebrations for Wiccans include Halloween, the summer solstice, winter solstice, and vernal equinox.
A witchy woman done by Ryan Murray at Black Veil Tattoo in Salem MAA witchy woman done by Matthew Murray at Black Veil Tattoo in Salem MA
Witchcraft and witches have become so mainstream today that even businesses such as Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and others sell products like tarot cards, witch-themed makeup, Ouija boards, crystals, and more.
A witch being burned done by Nikos Tsakiris at the Golden Goat TattooA more American traditional witch done by Alice Burke at Highwater Gallery in Swansea, UK
As a tattoo, many people choose the more “classic” witch look; pointy hat and all. Blackwork, American traditional and black and grey are some of the more popular styles for witches, and many folks choose to get witch burning tattoos, witches haunting places, or witches with their broomsticks or familiars.
An adorable witch head done by Amanda LaForest at Momentum Tattoo FloridaBlack and grey witch/plague doctor done by Julianna Menna at Gristle Tattoo in Brooklen, NY
Scream, first released in 1996, written by Kevin Williamson, and directed by the great Wes Craven, has turned into one of the most popular horror franchises around, spanning four films from the 1990’s to 2010’s, with a 5th on the way.
Line work Ghostface done by Jen at Fall Back Down TattooBlack work Ghostface in a heart done by Nate Laird
Scream was pretty groundbreaking in its day, being a slasher film that successfully moved into the mainstream through its use of comedy and self awareness. The first film was written by Williamson in just three days after he got the idea for the film during a scare he had a few days earlier in which he heard a noise while watching tv, and noticed that the window was open, which he hadn’t done. He reportedly called a friend while grabbing a knife from the kitchen. His friend apparently started asking him about scary movies to distract him, and the opening scene of the first Scream was born. The idea for the film overall was also loosely inspired by a series of real murders committed by serial killer Danny Rolling, AKA the Gainesville Ripper.
Ghostface and his iconic knife done by Andrew Scott at Chronic Ink, TorontoGhostface ice cream cone by Ross Purvis at Primrose Tattoo Parlor in Orlando, Florida
Wes Craven actually wore the Ghostface mask once during filming, in the opening scene between he and Casey (Drew Barrymore), and also made a brief cameo as a janitor. Drew Barrymore’s tears were real, as Wes Craven told her real stories about animal cruelty in order to “keep her upset and crying.” Drew was also using a real phone, and the props master JP Jones had forgotten to unplug it, leading her to call 911 for real while filming.
Ghostface and his knife by Matt StasiSexy Ghostface done by Shelby Sawyer at Tried and True Tattoo
Originally the Weinstein brothers approached directors George A. Romero and Sam Raimi to direct, but they both turned it down. Wes Craven initially passed as well, but when he heard Drew Barrymore was originally set to play Sidney Prescott he signed on. Of course Drew changed her mind, and Neve Campbell became Sidney, and did a great job in the role for years to come.
Ghostface and Casey done by German Ferreiroa at True Black Tattoing in Dublin, IrelandA more old school Ghostface with knife and trad flowers done by Kristopher John in Los Angeles
As a tattoo most people choose to get some form of Ghostface, usually in a black work or American traditional style. Knives with Ghostface superimposed within are also quite popular. Do you have a Scream tattoo?
“What’s your favourite scary movie?” Done by Erin Sullins at Monolith Tattoo in Nashville TNA cute lil strawberry Ghostface done by Skylar Skylord Rose Wasserman in Florida
Cthulhu is a fictional entity that was created by horror-fantasy writer H.P. Lovecraft and was first seen in 1928 in his story The Call of Cthulhu. Its physical appearance is supposed to be so horrible that it destroys the sanity of anyone who looks at it. It is described as “a monster of vaguely anthropoid outline, but with an octopus-like head whose face was a mass of feelers, a scaly, rubbery-looking body, prodigious claws on hind and fore feet, and long, narrow wings behind.”
Mostly black and grey piece done by Chloe Smith TattooCool Cthulhu done by María Roca in Madrid
Cthulhu is a priest or leader for “the Old Ones” who are a species that came to earth from space well before humans came to be. The Old Ones lay dormant and their city was buried under the earth’s crust, beneath the Pacific Ocean. They were more or less forgotten about by the majority of humans, except for certain “uncivilized” groups of people who remembered Cthulhu and the Old Ones and worshipped them in horrible rites and rituals.
Black and grey piece by Sarah WalsworthCthulhu and the moon done by Lucy Harrington in Dublin, Ireland
H.P. Lovecraft is regarded as one of the most influential and well-known horror-fantasy writers, having influenced modern horror writers and directors such as Stephen King, Guillermo del Toro, Junji Ito, Matt and Ross Duffer, Matt Ruff, Misha Green, and countless others. He is also known as the creator of the sub-genre of horror known as “Cosmic Horror”.
A more neo-traditional piece done by Kelly GormleySuper cute new school Cthulhu by Mychaela at The great Wilderness Tattoo
Despite Lovecraft’s wide reach, he was also extremely racist, and people like Matt Ruff and Misha Green (Lovecraft Country) have worked to expose that while still recognizing the cultural relevance, particularly of Cthulhu and other creatures. By the early 1930’s he was defending white Lynch mobs and praising Hitler in letters to friends, and short stories such as “The Shadow over Innsmouth”, and “The Horror of Red Hook” made non-white folks out to be primitive and less than human.
To be or not to be, that is the question Cthulhu asked… Done by Jack Vegas in Lviv, UkraineCreepy black and grey piece by Anubis Lok at Phycho Pomp Tattoo in Hong Kong
As a tattoo, many people choose to get Cthulhu in a more realistic style, although neo-traditional and new school are also popular. What is your favourite story featuring Cthulhu?
Dotwork piece by Mammoth TattooTerrifying black work piece by Markus Blanchard in Salem MA
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