New Exhibition at the Historic Dockyard Chatham – Tattoo Art

FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES TO INCREASE SOCIAL DISTANCING  AND AVOID LARGE GATHERINGS OF PEOPLE DUE TO COVID-19, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.  

From 21st March through to 14th June 2020 The Historic Dockyard is hosting an exhibition giving visitors an insight into the history of British tattooing.

This temporary exhibition features over 400 original artworks, photographs and historic artefacts and tells the story that challenges the most deep rooted myths and pre-conceptions about tattooing.  From ruffians to royalty; from sailors to socialites; from pilgrims to punks; tattoos have been etched into bodies throughout British history.  There will be displays from major tattoo artists, including George Burchett, Alex Binnie and Lal Hardy and showcases the largest gathering of real objects and original tattoo artwork ever assembled in the UK.

The exhibition features items from three of the most important private collections of tattoo material in Britain belonging to Paul ‘Rambo’ Ramsbottom, Willie Robinson and Jimmie Skuse.  It also tells the story of Britain’s pioneering female tattoo artist, Jessie Knight, who was mentored by the world-famous, Chatham-based, Charlie Bell.

Tattoos are a living and three dimensional form of art.  The ‘100 Hands’, curated by Alice Snape of Things & Ink magazine, is based around one hundred silicone arms, each tattooed with an original design by 100 of the leading tattoo artists working across the UK.

Please be aware that the exhibition contains some images of nudity.