Lyle Tuttle, a legendary tattoo artist with a career that spanned many decades, died at age 87. During his long career, he tattooed Janis Joplin, Paul Stanley, Cher, Henry Fonda, and Jo Baker. Tuttle was a prolific traveler and reportedly tattooed on all seven continents and received tattoos in six.
One of Tuttle’s former shops serves as a tattoo museum dedicated to his artistry. The Lyle Tuttle Tattoo & Museum in San Francisco honors tattoo history and host exhibitions for other artists. Many refer to the late tattoo artist as the father of modern tattooing due to his influence on the industry.
In a double blow to the tattoo community, reports of Lyle Tuttle’s death come as Yoji Harada passed away at age 46 as reported by Monsters and Critics.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoFvLEMgGRD/
Although Lyle Tuttle officially retired in the early 90s, he continued to tattoo on an occasion and hosted tattooing seminars around the United States.
Tribute pours in on social media as fans remember the Tuttle.
RIP Lyle Tuttle. Tattoo legend, brilliant artist, and pioneer in his field. pic.twitter.com/XazB2OqMgM
— Dan Mihoerck (@neur0sis) March 27, 2019
Crazy I went to Lyle Tuttle’s last exhibit, learned a lot of history being there I’m forever grateful for, happy I got a poster and bought his book. Rip to a legend in tattooing. #rip #lyletuttle
— Bearded Man Boy (@okayfineluis) March 27, 2019
I just heard about Lyle Tuttle’s passing. He liked my set-up and how I ran my machines. He was super nice and we ate Chinese food together one time. We even got to hang out in San Francisco one time. #rip #lyletuttle
— Chris Iwaniuk (@iwaniuktattoos) March 27, 2019
At the height of his career, Lyle Tuttle appeared on the Rolling Stone magazine cover in 1970 and he was featured on the cover of Life Magazine. Through the years, he has appeared or is referenced on several tattoo television series.
Tuttle’s death was announced on the Lyle Tuttle collection Instagram page, which revealed that he passed away peacefully.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvfvT5xFV7D/
“We are heartbroken to communicate that our beloved friend Lyle passed away peacefully last night. Lyle inspired so many of us with his joy for living, his boundless creativity, humor, and unconditional friendship.”
The legendary tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle died in Ukiah, California on March 25, 2019.