- Final tattooings, ephemeral tattoos, piercing, branding? For some time, we have seen the resurgent, in our Western societies, these body markings.Bruno de Pigalle, the forerunner. It was Bruno de Pigalle who opened the first tattoo artist studio in Paris in 1963. The technique is still artisanal, but Bruno is a "pro" who has made emulators.

- Bruno, first Parisian tattoo artist

Compagnon de Doisneau, pioneer of body art, Bruno is also the first tattoostor in Paris.
It was in 1960 that Bruno opened the doors of the very first tattoo studio in Paris. At the time, the discipline was still marginal, and France lagged behind other more progressive countries. Bruno, like so many others, fell into the tattoo by chance. On the occasion of a trip to Holland, where many of the best tattoo artists of the time were racing, he discovered body art, became passionate about this universe out of nails and felt the urge to learn to tattoo. From thread to needle, he comes into contact with Peter, Amsterdam. In the midst of the tattoo of the 1960s, much less connected than it can be today, Peter is a kind of legend. The current passes well between the two men and it is quite naturally that one of the best tattoo artists of the time agrees to train the young Bruno. Together, they travel around Europe and work in semi-clandestineness. No EU, no Schengen, refoulements to the border and the incessant combined are drawing back Bruno who would like to tattoo in the open. He decided to base himself in Le Havre, relying on the port vitality of the Norman city to bring him customers; but the cargo ships landed there only a few hours to avoid paying French taxes. Bruno takes his van, head to Boulevard de Clichy, in the XVIII arrondissement of Paris, where he becomes the first tattoo artist. The neighborhood is shady, populated by prostitutes, macros and little thugs. But he also lives in solidarity and holds his own codes. Everything you need to make Bruno feel good about it.
In 1960, this profession was not one: obtaining the necessary papers to open a tattoo shop is a real headache because the administration has never been faced with this kind of demand. The clandestine adventure therefore lasts for a few months. Finally, on October 6, 1960, the studio opened. It is St. Bruno's Day. The tattoo artist's (first)name was found.
Fifty years of creation and influence: the best tattoo artist in Paris
The tattoo artist’s tools are rudimentary at the time, the hygiene conditions are not always ideal. But Bruno stands out from clandestine tattoo artists and other counter artists by offering real artistic vision and professional work. On forums, even today, testimonies arouse happy nostalgic people who tell how the best tattoo artist in Paris saved them from a tattoo missed by the grace of his needle in 1978, 1980 or 1984. Bruno is in a monopoly situation, but in practice customers are rare. Associated with crime, thugs, tattooing does not attract crowds; as for criminals, they avoid a place where they could potentially be spotted. But talent eventually prevails, and the candidates, at first timid, finally flock to the months and years.
"It is that Bruno, in addition to his paw, also shines by his discretion; the word is spreading that he is trustworthy and not inclined to questions. So going home is about making sure that you are tattooed – and well tattooed – but also not having to justify it. Progressive, not loving to meddle in the affairs of others, Bruno seduced by his graphic and human approach and helped popularize the tattoo in Paris.
With success, Bruno makes a name for itself on the international stage. He maintains contact with other tattooists he met in the time of his travels with Peter; Bruno is multiplying the trips in Europe, the United States or Asia to meet his peers. The best tattoo artist in Paris is at the table of colleagues from all over the world to exchange techniques, advice, methods or instruments. There is no such thing as conventions; you have to organize everything yourself. Gradually, in favor of these exchanges, his trait becomes more secure, more creative, more clever, and his notoriety goes beyond the mere framework of tattooed persons and thugs to interest artists. Bruno is a character; he also tattoos celebrities. Doisneau visits him and takes a picture of his plays. They go around the world, they create vocations. Bruno will even publish a book: "Tattoués, who are you?" which will serve as a reference for a generation to come. Beginning in the 1970s, tattoo studios began to flower slowly in Paris.
A reference for the best Parisian tattoo artists
And these new recruits turn to Bruno to train. He claims to have trained 300 or 400 tattoo artists during his years of operation. Because Bruno finally retired at the turn of the 2000s, when he was 60, due to visual disturbance. But his work continues to bloom, thanks to his heirs who today make the sinful days of the tattoo in Paris and elsewhere. A pioneer of a generation, Bruno initiated in a way this boom in the tattoo that breaks out today and allows exceptional artists to express themselves freely. France, despite a chronic delay, now has very high-level tattoo artists, some of whom are known and recognized beyond their mere circle. Among the best tattoo artists in Paris, artists such as Dimitri HK, Tin-Tin, Stéphane Chaudesaigues or Laura Satana could never have seen the light of day if Bruno had not unleashed everything.
Yet, and by Bruno’s own admission, tattooing has evolved a great deal. Today, the artist can express himself even more fully thanks to the new instruments and stronger recognition. Bruno, on the other hand, regrets the time when the tattoo was attached to a very strong and sometimes religious or mystical symbolism, but recognizes the graphic quality of the work of today's artists. For him, the profession has not changed; it has diversified.