An Alternative History of Tattooing with Dr Matt Lodder (Painted People)

In this talk, Dr Matt Lodder, the UK’s foremost expert on the history of tattooing will share case studies from his recent book "Painted People: Humanity in 21 Tattoos" and its forthcoming follow-up to present a history of tattooing in Europe and the United States which is longer and weirder than is commonly understood. Presenting little-seen photography from private collections and new research, we will look at what people have been hiding under their clothing since the 16th century through to the 1990s, and ask what these tale of tattooing beyond the stereotypical stories of sailors and criminals tell us about the industry, and ourselves.

Dr Matt Lodder is a writer, curator and podcaster, currently working as Senior Lecturer in Art History and American Studies, and Public Voice Scholar at the University of Essex. He did his PhD at the University of Reading back in 2010 before teaching contemporary art and theory there and at Birmingham University.

The talk begins at 5pm and finishes by 7pm with an interval half way through. Ticket are available now at either £5 (including first drink) or £15 (including signed paperback copy of "Painted People" and first drink).

Blue Collar Corner is open between 11am-8pm with four street food kitchens serving until 6pm. Under 18s and dogs welcomed (free of charge if accompanied by a ticketholder).