Alan and Client, 1970s (Patreon)

My impression of Alan was of a rather private man who was a bit difficult to get to know. Not that he was particularly shy. He would casually disrobe and allow himself to be photographed, but there was always a reserved quality about his actions. He could converse with intelligence and ease, but to access the man behind the mask was a challenge. – Jim Ward, A visit to London. 

Tattooist and body piercer Alan Oversby- better known in the modification world as Mr. Sebastian- photographing a client at his London studio. March 1978.

Alan is generally considered to be the godfather of the European body piercing revival, but he was also an accomplished and respected tattoo artist.

Scanned from a 3″x 5″ print originally from Sailor Sid Diller’s collection.