Yesterday I visited the annual London Tattoo Convention at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. I hadn't been prepared for the sheer scale of this three day event. It was enormous, three floors like this one, filled with the worlds top artists. There was a huge art gallery (my fave pic), burlesque dancers (Sabina and The Suicide Girls), shops and a huge outdoor arena with bands, bikes and a bar. And of course there were thousands of horny spunky fellas to gawp at. I was pleased to see that the event was much less of an 'alternative' thing (i.e. not many of those crusty, multi-pierced festival-goers from ten years ago) and was actually filled with smart rockers, 70's skinheads (nice to see that most of these were 'good with colours') and Hoxton modernists (even the Hells Angels have had a wash and cut their hair these days). Saira (she's doing my arms) was busy the whole time I was there so I only got to wave at her but I did grab this pic.

Below L-R: Three of the most famous and studly artists:
Troy Denning wearing his trademark black gloves (NYC)
Shane O'Neil (USA)
Nico (Switzerland).


Below: Dunno who these fellas are but they were easy on the eye.


Below L-R:
I think I know where this scene was heading after they'd all had a few pints
Sabina is so beautiful she scared everyone off
Japanese master Hori Ken doing a traditional tattoo (non electric) using one huge v. sharp needle.


Despite watching him work for at least 20 minutes I failed to get a good pic of Steve Byrne (Morrissey's artist of choice, can you tell why?) but I found this one in flickr. He guests at Frith St in London every few months so maybe I won't stop when my arms are all done.