MERV O’CONNOR
01 . 05 . 1945 - 13 . 10 . 2017
Auckland Tattoo Studio was founded by revered tattooer and former champion jockey, Merv O’Connor. He was a self taught tattooer with decades of experience. From humble beginnings, hand poking himself and his mates over 65 years ago, he threw in the horse training and racing and made the move from Whanganui to Auckland in 1969. Quickly establishing himself as a solid tattooer, the customers came in droves, often queuing out the door. In 1970, he opened his first street shop on Queen Street. From there he moved onto Karangahape Road followed by Richmond Road, until finally, in 1988, he came to set up A.T.S. at 64 Ponsonby Road, where it remains to this day.
Sadly, Merv passed away on Friday 13th October 2017. He left behind a giant legacy, a large body of work, and a huge hole in the heart and history of New Zealand tattooing. He is sorely missed by us all, but the A.T.S. ship sails on!
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