Tattoos once
frowned upon and considered to be unbecoming are fast becoming a craze
especially with the younger generations. They have been popularised by
celebrities such as singers, musicians and Hollywood movie stars among other
well known public personalities. London is well known for its exceptional tattoo
styles and artwork and is home to some of the best tattoo artists in the world.
Just step out of
any London
Premier Notting Hill hotel and you are within close proximity of some of
the best tattoo parlours in the city. With the art of tattooing becoming
increasingly famous let’s take a look at the history of this ancient form of
beautification and self-expression.
The history of tattooing
The process what
we now refer to as body art or tattooing goes back in time in all probability
at least to the Neolithic Age. It is
assumed that the art of tattooing goes back to prehistoric times. In fact the
tattoos that are seen on modern aborigines throughout the world are assumed to
have originated back from Neolithic ancestors. It is incredible to think that
some of the designs are considered to date back thousands of years ago. One of
the best examples of prehistoric tattooing is over five thousand years old and
can be seen on the frozen mummy of the "Ice Man" found in Central
Europe. He is one of the most verifiable facts of the legacy of tattoos or body
art over the ages.
Looking at other
ancient civilisations there is evidence to support the ancient art of tattooing
among the mummies of Egypt. Most of these mummies are up to four thousand years
old and are considered to be the best examples of the beginning of the history
of the tattoo. The mummies that have tattoos on them are all females with an
assumption made; that the tattoos served as identification marks of sorts that
helped to segregate different strata of ancient Egyptian society.
Then there are
the tattoos from the Graeco-Roman world, which was limited to being carried out
only on slaves. The Romans and Greeks
considered the practice of being tattooed as being barbaric and uncultured,
however they felt it suitable to tattoo their slaves, whom they considered to
be barbarians and worthy of contempt. The Germanic and Celtic tribesmen of the
same period who were also considered to be uncivilised by the Romans, also
engaged extensively in tattoo body art. The Picts, an ancient tribe from
northern and eastern Scotland went a step further and painted their entire
bodies blue.
In the Medieval
times the art of tattooing began to decline, mostly because of the belief that
it was against Catholicism to decorate the body in any way. They were also considered to be signs of
being uncivilised or savage and thought to be too primitive and even pagan. At
the same time elsewhere on other parts of the globe in areas like North and
South America, Polynesia and parts of Asia it was highly sought after. In fact
the history of the Tattoo owes its existence during the Middle Ages, mainly to
Polynesian and Asian cultures of that time. The native aborigines of New
Zealand the Maori created a unique system of spiral tattooing on their faces
and body, which were considered to be of cultural and religious significance.
It became an integral part of their rites and rituals. It is believed that the
term “Tattoo” originated from the Tahitian local term ‘Tatu” that means to
mark.
It was only in
the 17th and 18th centuries that tattoos began to be
reintroduced of sorts in Western civilisation. This was primarily found on
sailors who returned from the South Seas with Polynesian art work or tattoos on
their bodies. It was later fine tuned with American and British artists adding
modern designs. Samuel O'Reilly is credited with creating the first automated
tattoo machine in 1891 and that continues till this day being the basis of the
much improved modern tattoo gun.
Some of the top tattoo destinations to visit in London
are:
Into You: It opened in 1993 and can found in nestled
between the Clerkenwell office blocks. It is one of the most famous tattoo
studios in London and has been home to some of the most celebrated tattoo
artists of all time. Its owner is Alex Binnie, well known for his striking
tribal designs, besides Mr X renowned for his shading techniques and Tomas
Tomas who is the master of ornate modern tribal diagrams among other well known
tattoo artists. Prominent customers have been the likes of Alexander McQueen
and Britney Spears among other well known public figures.
The Family Business: It offers Oriental
and Western iconography of the highest order. It is located in the trendy
location of Exmouth Market near BW Premier Shaftesbury London Piccadilly by and with its well turned out staff and decor it
means business. Its interiors are a bright blood red with an array of Catholic
images adorning the place, which comes from its owner Mo Coppoletta’s Italian
roots. It is a popular place with locals and overseas visitors, who flock to
the Family Business for its unique body art.
Frith Street Tatoo: It
opened shop in 2003 and is known for its bespoke designs and high quality work.
It is considered to be out of the best tattoo studios in London and boasts an
incredible stable of tattoo artists. With top names in the tattoo world
offering their expertise and skills and some great guest spots which feature the
best tattoo artists on the planet, who drop by to display their special skills,
Frith Street Tattoo is the place to visit.
Good Times: Although
relatively new to the tattoo scene Good Times is sophisticated and spacious and
offers an eclectic mix of designs and combinations which make it stand apart
from other tattoo studios. Two of its prominent tattoo artists Saira Hunjan and
Nikole Lowe have done body art for Kate Moss and Boy George earlier, so you
know you are in hallowed company. The only hitch is both Nikole and Saira are
booked well in advance with appointments stretching up to a year, so you will
have to test your luck!
