London’s best tattoo shops

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 17^th and 18^th 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!