Anna Mae Burlingston (1893-1985), famously known as Lady Artoria Gibbons – The Living Art Museum, was a renowned tattooed lady and occasional tattooer. Married to fellow artist Charles “Red” Gibbons, she was elaborately tattooed by him with images from classical religious artwork, including angels, saints, Raphael and Michelangelo drawings, and patriotic motifs, all in full color. Artoria debuted as a performer in 1921 with Pete Kortes Sideshow and later graced stages with Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey and countless other circuses. While primarily a performer, it is speculated that she also tattooed on The Pike, where her husband worked. She retired in 1981, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the country’s first tattooed ladies.
