Betty Broadbent’s full name was Betty Broadbent-Gross, a renowned tattoo artist and performer in the early 20th century. She was known for her elaborate and intricate tattoos that covered her entire body and was a trailblazer in the tattoo world. Betty was born in Philadelphia in 1909.
Her interest in tattoos began at the age of 14, when she met Jack Redcloud in Atlantic City. Redcloud was a tattooist and introduced Betty to his tattooist, Charlie Wagner, who gave her first tattoos. Over the next few years, Betty became enamored with tattoos and decided to pursue a career.
Betty quickly gained a reputation for her tattoos and was soon performing with the Ringling Brothers, Barnum, and Bailey Circus. She also trained as a steer rider and performed with Tom Mix, one of the most famous cowboys of the time. Betty’s tattoos and her acrobatic skills soon made her one of the most popular performers in the circus.
As Betty’s reputation grew, she started tattooing others and working in Montreal, San Francisco and New York studios. Her tattoos were considered works of art, and her clientele included people from all walks of life, including celebrities and wealthy individuals. Betty’s tattoos were known for their intricate designs, which included flowers, animals, and other symbols.
Betty’s tattoos and acrobatic skills made her a star in the circus world, and she traveled extensively throughout North America and Europe, performing and exhibiting her tattoos. She was a trailblazer in the tattoo world and paved the way for other women to pursue careers in the field.
Betty Broadbent-Gross passed away in 1983, but her legacy lives on in the world of tattoos. Her tattoos are considered masterpieces of the art form, and her story is a testament to this trailblazing woman’s talent, hard work, and perseverance.
