Do you fantasise about have your skin drawn on? Investing time and money is essential if you want to get a tattoo that you can live with forever. London is home to some of the world’s best tattoo artists like Mo Coppoletta, Nikole Lowe and Duncan X. They’re body artists, baby, and we’ve got some of the best!
The Family Business
Legendary custom tattoo shop where founder and master artist Mo Coppoletta has a long waiting list of often prestigious clients. Booking is by appointment only with your chosen artist. Most customers bring their own ideas which are then refined by the artist to create a tattoo that suits the customer.
Address: 58 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE
Tel: 020 7278 9526
Website: www.thefamilybusinesstattoo.com
Nearest tube station: Angel
George Bone Tattoos
One of London’s original tattoo studios, where founder George Bone has worked for more than 40 years. Renowned for his affinity with Japanese designs, his styles are colourful, traditional and tribal.
Described as a true gent, George Bone has a big following that includes Ringo Starr’s daughter Lee Starkey and Denise Van Outen.
Address: 58 Boston Rd, W7 3TR Tel: 020 8579 0831
Website: georgebonetattoos.co.uk Nearest train station: Hanwell
Frith Street Tattoo
It might be modestly tucked away in a basement but it’s much sought after by a wide range of customers, from drop-in tourists to A-listers who know they can find the best tattoo artists in the business. The team includes Stefano C, Emiliano Liberatori, Valerie Vargas and Frank Carter, offering the smallest symbol tattoo to a full Japanese bodysuit in their own unique style.
Address: 18 Frith St, W1D 4RQ Tel: 020 7734 8180
Website: frithstreettattoo.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road
Good Times
Eclectic tattoo studio adorned with peace-loving religious icons and floral garlands to put customers into a relaxed frame of mind. Top tattooers include New Zealand artist, Nikole Lowe, followed in reality TV show London Ink for her popular Japanese, Tibetan and Indian themed art.
Address: 147 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3QE Tel: 020 7739 2438
Website: goodtimestattoo.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Old Street
Diamond Jacks
One of London’s longest running tattoo studios famous for its rock clientele ⎯ the Sex Pistols, Pete Doherty, Liam Gallagher ⎯ and offering a range of styles and services including cover-ups and redesign. Top artists include Charles Wicks-Stephens, Hannah Lightspeed, Hwee Lo and Darryl Gates, creator of body art for Vogue photoshoots.
Address: 5 Walker’s Court, W1F 0BT Phone: 020 7437 0605
Website: diamondjacks.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus
New Wave Tattoo
Not as mean as he looks, Lal Hardy is a figurehead of London’s tattoo world, having represented the trade since the 1970’s with a mission to extend the clientele base to make it more respectable. You get an “across the board” range of styles ⎯ mechanical, Japanese or feminine ⎯ attracting a wide range of clients including Liam Gallagher and Dermont O’Leary. Not the chic-est of establishments but no-nonsense and dependable.
Address: 157 Sydney Rd, N10 2NL Tel: 020 8444 8779
Website: newwavetattoo.co.uk Nearest train station: Alexandra Palace
Jolie Rouge
Vintage-style, non-threatening, clean and friendly tattoo studio offering bright and bold contemporary designs by Lord Montana Blue, Charissa Gregson, Raquel CT and Matt Difa, known for his graffiti-inspired artwork.
Address: 364 Caledonian Rd, N1 1DU Tel: 020 7609 5111 Website: www.jolierougetattoo.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Caledonian Road
Flamin’ Eight
Dare to open the purple door of Naresh’s tattoo studio in Camden and you’ll be welcomed into a beautifully curated mini-museum of tattoos, old and new. Friendly staff help you decide on your chosen artist from new school, traditional or Japanese styles. Affordable prices from £50.
Address: 2 Castle Rd, NW1 8PP Tel: 020 7267 7888 Website: www.flamineight.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Chalk Farm
Vagabond
This is a world away from the dingy basement parlours normally associated with tattoos. Vagabond is more like an an art gallery with its immaculate white walls, wooden floors and merchandise sales corner. Tattoo artist Paul Hill and graphic designer Rebecca Morris teamed up to create a studio offering clean, individual tattoos by artists from around the world in traditional, tribal, Japanese, black and grey styles.
Address: 471 Hackney Rd, E2 9ED Tel: 07966 516 868 Website: iamvagabond.co.uk
Nearest train station: Cambridge Heath
Cloak and Dagger Tattoo
This unpretentious but professional studio just off Brick Lane opened only recently but already has a big following. Take your pick from more than 10 tattoo artists, including Al Boy who adds a splash of colour to traditional designs with great results.
Address: 34 Cheshire St, E2 6EH Tel: 020 7175 0133 Website: www.cloakanddaggerlondon.co.uk
Nearest train station: Shoreditch High Street
Hammersmith Tattoo
This studio specialises in black and grey tattoo designs created by Ivan Bor and award-winning Janis Kinens. Customers who prefer some privacy can book a private room.
Address: 3 North End Rd, W14 8ST Tel: 020 7602 1086 Website: www.hammersmithtattoo.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Kensington Olympia
Skunx
Skunx has no frills but it deserves a mention for its great original designs from a team of artists including Julia Seizure, who creates colourful modern designs ranging from pop art to neo-gothic styles.
Address: 11 Chapel Market, N1 9EZ Tel: 020 7278 6960 Website: skunxtattoo.com
Nearest tube station: Angel
The post The Talented London Tattoo Artists appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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