Celebrate Like It’s 1863 With a Roller Skate Tattoo

When roller skates were first invented in the mid-18th century, they had only two wheels and were difficult to use. James Plimpton’s patented four wheel design was introduced in 1863 and the design still used to this day.

Plimpton didn’t only patent roller skates – he opened skating rinks in Rhode Island and New York where he marketed roller skating as a way for men and women to meet, or an activity for couples to do while on a date. Plimpton even gave roller skating lessons for beginners and proficiency lessons for those more advanced, in addition to establishing the New York Roller Skating Association.

During researching roller skates for this list, it got me thinking about how it’s a shame that roller skating rinks aren’t as popular as they once were. Having spent many a school and Girl Guides excursion at a roller disco, it’s difficult to not long for those days of such simple pleasures; there’s just something about that feeling of speeding around on roller skates while listening to ’80s and ’90s dance and pop music.

Did you enjoy going to roller discos as a kid, or were you mainly seen skating around your neighbourhood? Those skates you had then may no longer fit, but now that you’re older, you can get a tattoo as a reminder of all that fun you had growing up.

Be inspired by these pieces to book your next tattoo or even to find somewhere to skate – I just discovered that the roller rink I frequented many moons ago (and assumed had closed down) is still open for business!