Diving into the World of Tahiti Felix

A Family Affair

Master Tattoo, America’s oldest family-owned and operated tattoo parlor west of the Mississippi River, holds a storied legacy that began in 1949 with its founder, "Tahiti Felix" Lynch. Born and raised in the Midwest, Felix embarked on a transformative journey when he hitched a ride on a merchant ship bound for Polynesia in his youth. Enamored by the island lifestyle, he married his Tahitian bride, Nui, and immersed himself in the local culture, becoming fluent in the native language and earning the enduring nickname "Tahiti Felix."

Under the mentorship of Mac McKeaver at Long Beach's renowned "Pike" in the late 1930s, Felix's passion for tattoo artistry took root and flourished. After World War II, in the summer of 1949, Felix seized the opportunity to establish his own tattoo parlor. Located in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter at 317 F. Street, the shop quickly became a bustling hub where Felix's skill and dedication drew a steady stream of clientele.

Tahiti Felix's Master Tattoo & Museum, as the parlor came to be known, not only thrived as a center for tattoo artistry but also nurtured a community of talented artists. Notable figures like "Lefty Al" Miller and "Tiger Bob" Martinson contributed to the shop's vibrant legacy, with Lefty Al's artistry spanning from 1952 until his retirement in 2000. Today, owned by Gil Taimana, brother-in-law of Tahiti Maurice, one of Felix’s sons, Master Tattoo continues its proud tradition at 924 5th Avenue, marking over a decade at its current location in the heart of San Diego.

Like the famed shop, Lucky Supply and the LS Museum are also both family owned and operated, and the Whitlock's hope to keep the tradition going.

To see a video of our visit check us out on instagram @lstattoomuseum

For more information on Tahiti Feliz and Master Tattoo visit https://www.mastertattoo.com/