Frank Deburdg

Emma Deburdg

"Tattooed Man & Wife"

from Gerald Drewicz:

Frank DeBurdg, along with his wife Emma, were a fully tattooed husband and wife exhibit.
The pair were tattooed in New York by Samuel O’Reilly, who later invented the electric tattoo machine.
Along with the usual designs, patriotic symbols etc. Frank and Emma displayed tattoos that showed their bond and devotion to each other. Frank wore a beautiful scroll inscribed with the words "For Get Me Not", held up by a pretty young woman with the name "Emma", underneath. Emma bore the names "Frank" and "Emma"in prominent view.
They are best known however, for their religious themes with both Frank and Emma exhibiting exquisite biblical scenes as part of their gallery of tattoos.

Frank’s back was covered from shoulder to shoulder with the "Mount Calvary" crucifixion scene. Emma’s back displayed an even more impressive reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s "Last Supper". Meticulously done down to the most minute detail.
After exhibiting in the U.S. during the mid 1880's the DeBurdg’s traveled abroad and enjoyed even greater success throughout Europe.

Adapted from Pictures in the Human Skin by Gambier Bolton, 1897.

~ Images above courtesy Gerald Drewicz

This page last updated October 1, 2005.

Anything to add? Go to the showhistory.com Bulletin Board and post! If we use your info you will be credited on this page.