The first tattoo artist in Greece dies at 89

Jimmy operated the legendary tattoo parlour in 1977

The first and most famous tattoo artist of Athens passed away at the age of 89. Dimitris Mamatsis of the legendary studio “Jimmy’s ” operating in the center of the capital since 1977 died of old age.

At the end of 1977 and the beginning of 1978, he decided to open a studio in Plaka, the first tattoo parlor in Greece. The second studio opened in Amsterdam, followed by Hamburg, Copenhagen, England. Ten people did this job in Europe and another ten in America. Most of the customers were sailors and some who had been released from prison. Cowardly after ’80, when his son Pavlos started by his side, the Greek public started coming. Many celebrities went to Tzimis which until 2005 was a reference point for Athens.

Jim stopped tattooing in the mid-1990s, but the store remained in the hands of his children. Paul and Anna continued the family tradition. Greeks and foreigners, known and unknown, have trusted Jimmy and then his children.

Jimmy’s Tattoo is still housed in Plaka, 72 Adrianou, on the 1st floor.