Black and grey is one of the oldest forms of tattooing, black has always been the prominent colour within tattooing. Before different tones and colours were introduced artists, would usually stick with the solid black work. Due to the introduction of Grey washes (shades) tattoos became so much more artist, allowing for gradient, tone, and texture to be introduced into tattooing. Black and grey are mostly recognised with prisoners, since being in prison artists would water down their ink to create shades, in place of colour. Through the decades artists have pushed the boundaries of black and grey, one of the best being Bob Tyrell, portrait specialist.
