Tattoo enthusiast, Kohl, at the London Tattoo convention in Shadwell, East London. . 23 September 2016.
If there’s one thing that TLE learned from our experience at the London Tattoo Con this year it’s that our ink game is weak.
Over the course of the weekend thousands of tattoo fans descended on the Tobaccoo Dock in Wapping to take in the latest and greatest in tattoo culture and show off some serious pieces.
The art on display this year – from over 400 esteemed tattoo artists and studios from around the world – was absolutely mind bending; a tantalising vertical slice of the variety that the artform can offer. Everything from the ultra-traditional to the cutting-edge contemporary was well-represented, with an entire floor dedicated to art stalls, pop-up tattoo studios and shops selling the latest inks, guns and accessories. The ground floor was dedicated to rows of piercing jewellery – studs to plugs and all shapes and sizes in between – and fashion stalls with rails rammed with staples of the subculture. Oh, and then currys, baps, coffees and rum to keep you going through the rows of dagger-speared skulls and spiralling dragons.
For those looking for ink inspiration, some bespoke merch and a day out looking at some of the coolest eye candy you’ll see in the city, you can’t go far wrong.
Check out the gallery below for our favourite agonised faces, living artwork and generally striking moments from the convention. Same time next year?
