portrait of tattooed lady, Irene Woodward – photographer unknown
Toronto. Mike Lehr in New Jersey announced his latest auction (online) starts March 28th. The auction of old photos is called, “March 2026 Unreserved Photo Auction — Curiosities, Performers & Vernacular Photography“. Click on the link at left to register or see the catalogue.
Typical of the offering is the trimmed cabinet photograph of Ms Irene Woodward (lot 218). The items in the auction are all described. For example, this portrait is described as, “Trimmed cabinet card measuring 6″ x 4” studio portrait of a tattooed woman performe[r] Irene Woodward, also known as ‘La Belle Irene’.
“Woodward, [was] one of the first and most successful tattooed ladies in circus and dime museum sideshows during the late 19th century. [Shown is] Woodward seated in stage costume, showing extensive tattooing on the arms and legs. The sitter wears a decorated bodice and headpiece and is posed in a studio interior with painted backdrop, carved furniture, and patterned floor covering. No photographer’s imprint visible.
“The portrait depicts a tattooed exhibition performer of the late nineteenth century, shown displaying decorative tattoo designs across the body.
“The reverse is signed in ink ‘Thyra Stone Woodward’ [can also be read as Wife Irene Woodward]”.
Image collectors can also see the full catalogue here. We often have old photographs at our events. The 2026 events include our spring fair scheduled for May 24th, at Trident Hall.
Note: The title of this post is a line from the child’s nursery rhyme, “Billy Boy“.
