In the late 1980s, a Spanish TV series erupted in popularity in America and was soon shown on children’s television shows around the world. The animation was David the Gnome, based on a book written by the Dutch author Wil Huygen and illustrated by the Dutch artist Rien Poortvliet. The series now has cult status among many children of the 80s, worldwide, due to what a large role it played in their childhoods. Many of these now-adult children have chosen to show homage to their pint-sized heroes with tattoos of gnomes.
What are these Gnome Tattoos About?
In the Netherlands, the birthplace of the original Gnome books, the main character was called Dawie die Kabouter (David the Gnome). He was 399 years old, the same age as his wife, Lisa, and about as old as a gnome can get. David was a doctor, tending to other gnomes and friendly creatures of the forest with acupuncture and hypnosis. The creatures of the forest assist David when he needs it, by carrying him to other places in the forest where someone needs his help.
The TV series was produced by a Spanish company called BRB Internacional. The English dub of this animation was created by Canadian studio CINAR and Miramax Films which was owned by the American Walt Disney Studios, so altogether it was an international effort that eventually brought the show to children across the world, in English-speaking countries like those of the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.
Other characters in the Gnome Universe include Swift the fox, who carries David to help those in need, and David and Lisa’s children; Lily and Harold. Of course, every good children’s animation has bad guys. Rarely, these are other gnomes who cause trouble within the gnome community, but more commonly it is the trolls who are the nemesis of the gnomes. The trolls are ugly, spiteful creatures who enjoy hurting animals and torturing gnomes. Many of David’s call-outs to tend to gnomes and animals are because of the trolls’ nastiness.
Stylin’ Gnome Tattoos
Because of their love of the original illustrations used in the books and TV series, many Gnome enthusiasts get tattoos in the same style as the illustrations and animations. But sometimes, tattoo lovers choose to have their gnomes tattooed in a different style. The gnomes still have their signature pointy red hats and blue jackets, but the artistic style used to create them is different.