Horace Ridler, was born in Surrey, England in 1892. After studying at Oxford University he pursued a career in the British Army. At the end of the war Ridler left the military and decided that show business would be his new career path.   

At some point between 1927 and 1934 he visited famed London based tattooist, George Burchett, with a plan that would transform him into the greatest modern tattoo attraction the world had ever seen. After 500 sittings and 150 hours of tattooing Horace Ridler became The Great Omi.   

The Great Omi performed with many sideshows including Robert Ripley’s Oddotorium and the Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey Circus. Shortly before his death in 1969 he was quoted saying "underneath it all, I'm just an ordinary man". 

✅ Let's connect: 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unusualweekly​

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/unusualweekly​

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/unusualweekly​

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/unusualasusual​

Fact Analysis: Although careful research is implemented to assure accurate and correct information, sometimes it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction (or ‘humbug', as P.T. Barnum would say). If you find any information in this podcast inaccurate, please do let me know via social media.