***The 11th International London Tattoo Convention September 25/26/27 News Update***

For More Info/Photos/Interviews contact:- Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

18th September 2015.

© Work Hard PR 2015

***The 11th International London Tattoo Convention September 25/26/27 @ Tobacco Dock***

4moreinfo; contact:- Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

15th August 2015.

© Work Hard PR 2015

***The 10th International London Tattoo Convention September 26/27/28 @ Tobacco Dock***

The 10th London International Tattoo Convention, the greatest, most respected and prestigious body art convention in the world, is to be held on 26th, 27th and 28th September 2014 at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, London E1W 2SF.

In celebration of this massive 10th anniversary landmark, the greatest number of the world’s absolute elite tattoo artists ever will be practicing their art in public in one place, working in all the styles of the art form under the sun. Well over 340 of the finest, most famous, truly unique tattoo artists, including TV Stars such as Ami James (Miami Ink & NY Ink),Tim Hendricks (NY Ink) and Phil Kyle (London Ink), will be jetting in for the 10th Anniversary of the most spectacular, important and crowded convention on the planet.

When The London Tattoo Convention was established a decade ago, it was estimated that one in eight of all British adults had been inked. In 2010 it was guesstimated that a fifth of all adults had got at least one tattoo, and now it is estimated that at least a third of all British adults have gone under the needle. It comes as no surprise, therefore, to hear that attendance figures have risen from 3,500 at original venue The Old Truman Brewery ten years ago, to well over 20,000 at the vast, picturesque setting of Tobacco Dock last year.

Each year, the global Tattoo Life Publication organizers have strived to outdo the previous event’s tumultuous success, and 2014’s extravaganza promises the richest smorgasbord of essential live musical acts, spectacular alternative entertainers and inspirational exhibitions ever.

Tattoo Life Publisher Miki Vialetto and tattoo artist Claudia De Sabe have teamed up with Somerset House to present ‘TIME, Tattoo Art Today , at Embankment Galleries West, Somerset House London. Already open to the public with Free Admission, ‘TIME, Tattoo Art Today', is a collective show with original artworks from 70 of the world's most iconic and influential tattoo artists, including Ed Hardy, Horiyoshi III, Filip Leu, Paul Booth and Mr Cartoon. Each tattoo artist has been commissioned to create a completely new work for the exhibition on the theme of TIME, working with any medium and on any canvas, apart from their usual surface of skin. The resulting collection ranges from oil painting, watercolours and traditional Japanese silk painting to paint layering on real skulls, airbrush and bronze sculpture.

Miki Vialetto states that “Over the past twenty years there have been many exhibitions which have observed tattooing from historical, sociological and anthropological standpoints. There have also been solo shows of tattoo artists who, in some cases, have had the privilege to exhibit their work in locations just as prestigious as Somerset House. But what is unprecedented about this exhibition is that it was organised to bring together 70 people who have created and represent the significant and momentous change in tattooing, in such an important and internationally famous centre as Somerset House.”

Amazing world class acts and alternative performances, from burlesque to sword swallowing, striptease and trapeze, are set to enthrall on the Main Stage:-

The Fuel Girls - the original and best fire breathing, tattooed acrobatic dance troupe in the world, will return to star as the resident performers on the main stage at various times all weekend with a brand new show, specially designed for the London Tattoo Convention. Their shows have developed over the years and the Fuel Girls have grown from young, rebellious party girls, into skilled, dynamic and incredibly talented performers. This unstoppable dangerous, wild and playful mayhem machine will take to the air in hoops and on silks, breathe fire balls into the sky, dance with swords of fire, woo you with their tribal belly dancing and amaze you with their acrobatic pole skills. Their shows have taken them across the world in previous years, from the Playboy Mansion in LA to the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. They have toured Europe with Motorhead, performed in arenas of 80,000 at the biggest FMX sporting events and had their own series on Playboy TV, following their antics around the world. The Fuel Girls, whose shows are always entertaining, dangerous, sexy, unconventional and fun, can’t wait to rock the roof off Tobacco Dock again. www.fuelgirls.co.uk or www.facebook.com/TheFuelGirls

The Voodoo Crypt Stage will once again feature compere / host Vince Ray, (also an artist renowned for his unique record covers, T-shirts and tattoo designs) and his band The Bone Shakers, who will play multiple sets all over the weekend. The Boneshakers, a classic rockabilly/punk trio with guitar, double bass and drums, who sound “Like Eddie Cochran colliding with Motorhead”, are an unmissable, truly organic rock beast, whose songs are the sonic equivalent of Vince’s artwork—all about foxy femme fatales, hell-bent hot rods and ghoulish grave-robbing greasers. Vince has shared bills with artists such as The Meteors, Demented Are Go, The Kings Of Nuthin’ and The Damned. He has toured Europe extensively with the likes of The Stray Cats and the Reverend Horton Heat and recorded two albums with The Boneshakers, whose live appearances are a visual feast, with hand painted instruments, giant backdrops and tattoos everywhere. www.vinceray.com

King Kurt – the absolutely bonkers psychobilly prankster rockers who stormed the UK singles charts in the early-mid 1980’s with hits like ‘Destination Zululand’, ‘Mac The Knife’ and ‘Banana Banana’ are set to headline the Voodoo Crypt stage on Friday. King Kurt built up a massive, frenzied following at their riotous gigs, famously strewn with all sorts of muck - thrown both at and from the audience - whilst also offering haircuts and drinking competitions! Musically a bizarre mix of roots rock-a-billy, funk, African rhythms and pop infused with their own unique humour, King Kurt, who released two full length albums (‘Ooh Wallah Wallah’ on Stiff Records in 1983 and ‘Big Cock’ on Polydor in 1986),
are at their blistering, mystifying, absolute best, live on stage; definitely a set not to be missed! www.kingkurt.com

Hells Bells - the renowned top AC/DC tribute rockers, are set to rock the roof off of the Voodoo Crypt stage when they play their headline set on Saturday night. Hells Bells, who always bring the house down, have performed all over the UK as well as Portugal, Austria, Russia, Belgium, Czech Republic and the Middle East. Established for 15 years, they are the UK's finest and most entertaining tribute to the great AC/DC. The band more than impressed keyboard player Don Airey (Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, Deep Purple etc), who stated “Never go on after Hells Bells – They’re LETHAL’ after he caught their high energy performance recently. www.hellsbells.info

Broken Chords, a Hammond-infused British classic rock act who reference the sounds of Led Zeppelin and Cream while also displaying a contemporary punkish attitude, will also star on the Voodoo Crypt stage. Broken Chords are three 22 year olds from Essex / Hertfordshire with a level of musicianship and songwriting which has already seen them featured on Kerrang! TV, BBC Radio and touted by key tastemakers Gary Crowley and Aaron Philips on Amazing Radio. The band were also recently voted one of the best new top 10 rock acts in the UK by Classic Rock magazine. Check out the video for their debut single, ‘Get Some’, featuring Cervena Fox and Shelly D’Inferno, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ald2HmY5JqM More info at:-www.thebrokenchords.com

Rattleshack - Formed in the early part of 2011 Rattleshack are set to wow the Voodoo Crypt with their own particular style of Foot Stompin’, Hillbilly Hollerin’, dirty country music originals. Their debut, self-titled album was released on April fool’s day 2013, which gives a clue that this band don’t take themselves too seriously and just want an audience to have a damn good time. The UK Subs’ Paul Slack enthuses; “Foot stomping hillbilly music right up to date with a healthy slab of punk attitude to well crafted songs of life and death." www.rattleshack.com

Rosco Levee & The Southern Slide, a dynamic new 5 piece classic hard rock & roll band with blues, soul & country influences, who play with a whole lot of style and attitude, will also grace the Voodoo Crypt stage. Rosco leads this tight band from the front, drawing comparisons with Eric Clapton and Paul Kossoff, with a stage presence reminiscent of Steve Marriott. The pumping Southern Slide pulls the audience in close, boiling over like a melting-pot with flavours of London and the Mississippi. Formed in 2011, the band released their debut album “Final Approach to Home” to massive critical acclaim in 2012; Rosco’s song ‘Goldrush’ from this album was nominated for best original song in the British Blues Awards 2013. Their second album, ‘Get it While You Can’, released in January 2014, was awarded 9/10 by Classic Rock Magazine, who raved “Pretty brilliant….these 11 songs scream of a songwriter who knows his set texts and how to twist them into new shapes…obey that album title to the letter”. www.roscolevee.com

Spiderbites, who formed in summer 2013 whilst touring America as Adam Ant’s band, when they discovered they all had a love of outrageous early 80’s hair metal bands, are all set to rock the Voodoo Crypt stage. Their debut album, chock full of slamming drums, shredding guitars and soaring vocals, was written on the road in the USA and subsequently recorded upon their return to the UK. With a wealth of touring experience under their studded belts, Spiderbites have enough ammunition to blow roofs off venues the world over. “A baby with big hair is born, and it’s gonna scream and scream…”
www.facebook.com/spiderbitesband

Sicknote Steve:- Hobo bluesman Sicknote Steve, who covers select songs of Grammy Award winning Seasick Steve, alongside some of the great blues classics, has also been confirmed to play on the Voodoo Crypt stage. Initially a drummer and sometime bass player in various rock bands, over the years he developed his all-round experience playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, whistle and more. After Steve survived a serious motorcycle accident in 2008, which “got me pondering about the possible effect of losing my left hand and unable to play the frets” he decided to learn to play slide guitar. “Seasick Steve was my guide; I spent four months of recovery time learning his songs.” Steve played some open mike nights in Cardiff; “To my surprise people, especially youngsters, loved my interpretations of the great Seasick.” Adding more of Seasick Steve’s songs to his repertoire, he became known as Sicknote Steve, and is now a regular highlight at blues and acoustic festivals around the country, including the Upton Blues Festival, Tenby Blues Festival, and the Brecon Blues Festival. www.sicknotesteve.co.uk

A huge hit at 2013 convention, Elegy Ellem, the sexy model and top Burlesque performer with an hourglass figure, will fly in once again from her native Sweden for the whole weekend to star on the main stage. Elegy Ellem, who varies her extraordinary performances from cute pin-up style with a twist to pure erotic fetish acts, is creating a whole new show especially for this year’s LTC. You never know what to expect when this sexy, seductive creature steps on stage; she loves to experiment with styles and always brings something unique. www.elegyellem.se

Cervena Fox, the sensational international alt/fetish model and burlesque performer, known for her trademark fiery red hair and friendly yet professional personality, will unveil a brand new stage show, featuring a Queen of the Damned inspired strip-tease, infused with gore and aggression, along with fantastic Merchandise for 2014. www.whosthatfox.com

The Nerdy Stripper, another massive hit at last year’s extravaganza, the Nerdy Stripper will be back to thrill the audience with her unique, breath taking, raunchy nerdgasm spectacle. After years of pushing the boundaries and challenging the rules about tattoos in clubs since she made her stage debut in Toronto in 2008, she has become known as the ‘Most Heavily tattooed stripper in Toronto’. Peeling off her nerdy costumes, she unveils tattoos of Yoda, Iron Man, The Hulk and Wonder Woman, tattooed by such famous artists as Chris Lowe; you'll never know what she'll pull out of her latex Darth Vader sleeve! http://thenerdystripper.tumblr.com

Janet Fischietto, the seductive Italian “30’s Circus Burlesque” performer whose stage character embodies the “tattooed lady” of the circus, will shimmer on the main stage all 3 days of the convention. Each and every detail of her outfits, choice of tattoo subjects, music and attitude reflect the multicoloured, dreamy “30’s Circus Burlesque” style.
www.janetfischietto.com

Grazia Manetti, a former member of Les Soeurs Tribales and one of the most important exponents in the National and International field of Tribal Bellydance ATS (American Tribal Style), will bring her vital new Living Tribal Dance Company to the convention.
www.livingtribal.it

Sabina Kelley an elegant and sensual statuesque platinum blonde pin-up girl with singular grace and style, has been chosen to star as fairy godmother of this year’s convention. A hugely successful international star burlesque artist, originally from Las Vegas, she has featured on numerous TV shows and music videos, and her calendars have acquired massive cult status – and not just for lovers of tattoo art. sabinakelley.com

The Pinup Stage will host the finals of the second Miss Pinup UK and Miss Pinup International competitions, aimed at all women who embody timeless glamour and Pinup appeal, celebrating beauty of all ages, sizes and colours, at the Convention. Judging the competitions will be International Pinup model and makeup artist October DiVine from The Pinup Academy, renowned Pinup photographer Terry Mendoza of Retro PhotoStudio, International Pinup model Sini ‘Ariell’ Tarkkinen’, and the reigning Miss Pinup UK, the winner of last year’s competition, Miss Scarlett Luxe.

Anna Fur Laxis, voted No. 5 in the world in the ‘Burlesque Top 50’, will be performing three times a day on the Pinup Stage with a selection of her favourite acts. After winning 1st Runner Up Award in both the 2011 Milan Burlesque Awards and "Miss Exotic World" at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, the industry's highest regarded awards ceremony, Anna has performed Burlesque across the globe in locations including the UK, Los Angeles, Paris, Rome, Zurich, Brussels, Tokyo, Barcelona, Helsinki, Milan, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco, Melbourne & Sydney.
www.annafurlaxis.com

Internationally published Tattoo Model and Tattoo Magazine cover girl Lusy Logan will have her own booth at the convention, the first time she has had a booth at any convention. Lusy will be selling signed prints and polaroids, t-shirts, jewellery and tattoo flash, courtesy of her Tattoo Artist brother Joel P Blake who will also be joining her over the weekend. www.lusylogan.tumblr.com

Ellis Cooper the gorgeous London based Lingerie/glamour model, will be introducing her 2015 calendar and merchandise exclusively at the 10th International London Tattoo Convention. From Playboy to Bizarre magazine she checks everyones’ boxes; a definite hot spot and must meet this year. www.ellis-cooper.com

Kristen Leanne the internationally published model from sunny California will be selling copies of her 2015 calendar, plus will have some of her top selling prints available, along with t-shirts and other great memorabilia. Don't miss out on this opportunity to meet Kristen Leanne, grab a signed print/2015 calendar and snap a photo with her!
www.iheartkristenleanne.com

The Graffiti Life collective, a group of the UK's most well-known and respected street multi-disciplined fine artists, graffiti writers and urban visionaries, will be back again this year, creating new works during the 10th London Tattoo Convention. Graffiti Life have originated huge commercial graffiti projects for the likes of Adidas, Disney XD, FA Cup – ITV, Kurt Geiger, Nike and many more. Drop by their wall as it evolves over the weekend, and pick up some tips, pointers or answers to any questions you may have about the graffiti art form. www.graffitilife.co.uk

The second annual Inked Up World Tour, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink and Sullen Art Collective, will make a tour stop at the convention, featuring a new roster of select top tattoo artists from around the world, as well as the Miss Inked Up Model Competition Convention. www.inkedupworldtour.com

The Bristol Tattoo Club Exhibition will display an amazing museum collection of artefacts dating back to the 1870’s. The Bristol Tattoo Club was formed by Les Skuse in 1953 to bring together artists as well as tattoo fans to promote the good in tattooing and move the press away from printing negative views. Les was the first in the world to hold international conventions and artists came from far and wide to Bristol – Al Schilfly, Huck Spaulding, Milton Zeis, Tattoo Peter, Albert Cornelous, Ron Ackers, Jimmy Thompson and many more. After Les’ death in 1973, his son Danny Skuse took over as President and ran the club low-key until 2009, when Jimmie Skuse, who has taken the club to its highest ever level and has also improved the tattoo museum, took over as president. www.bristoltattooclub.co.uk

The Art of Chris Guest Chris Guest began painting and drawing from a very young age, and first started making money from art aged just 14, drawing portraits of music icons for other pupils. At the age of 18, Chris began showing his work in galleries in Cornwall, and has since exhibited extensively throughout the UK. “For the last few years, my work has focused on painting heavily tattooed people, mainly from the London rock scene, to create paintings with a dirty rock n roll feel. I use very traditional techniques perhaps more akin to 18th century paintings, and source beautifully elaborate and highly decorative frames from English stately homes that are sometimes hundreds of years old. Using this traditional style of painting and method of display, coupled with such a contemporary subject matter of young characters from the London rock scene, I find this creates an interesting contradiction in my work.” www.chrisguest.co.uk

The Artist Kevin Ash will be releasing a book dedicated to ‘Custom Culture’ and he will be exhibiting original pieces from his book at the convention. Kevin’s art captures the dreams and realities of custom motor vehicles, tattoos and rock & blues music culture using a variety of different media and styles; “I love Motorcycles and Hotrods and have great friends within these cultures even though I don’t ride myself. I feel the People, the Music, Custom Cars, Motorcycles and Tattoos are all iconic symbols of freedom and rebellion and this is my main source of inspiration whether it is paintings, pencil drawings or fashion art & design.”
www.theartofkevinash.com

A wide range of food and drink - catering for all tastes - will be available on site from Henry’s Bar and Restaurant on the ground floor, as well as the lower ground floor Food Court. Various mobile kitchens will be situated on the quay –side, including The Taco Truck, whose specially chosen taco recipes have been sourced and inspired directly from local markets in central and southern Mexico, Whole Food Heaven, offering the best in vegetarian options, and the Artisan Coffee kitchen.

The Jamaica Inn will offer a hugely varied and interesting selection of fine Real Ales and tasty Ciders, as well as hosting a dedicated “Brew Dog” Bar, showcasing their outrageous range of mega-hopped Keg Beers, alongside a huge selection of their bottled beers. The Soul Bar in the Jamaica Inn (which is paying a tribute to the late, great Tony Class who sadly passed away this year), will be spinning a mix of Soul, Ska and Two-Tone classics, from 18.00 ‘til late on Friday and Saturday.

Tattoo Contests – As always, the biggest show on offer is provided by the visitors themselves, who will compete in the Tattoo contests for ‘Best Of Day’, ‘Best Back Piece’, ‘Best Colours’, ‘Best Black And Grey’ and ‘Best Of Show’.

More vendors and traders than ever before will be offering a huge range of tattoo equipment, flash and aftercare products, let alone a mind boggling range of of alternative merchandise, body jewellery, latex, burlesque, fetish, rockabilly, goth, 50’s pin-up, skate and rocker clothing stalls which will be packed into the huge lower vault floor.

For more info go to www.thelondontattooconvention.com from which advance tickets are available priced at £20 for Friday, £30 for Saturday, £25 for Sunday, or £55 for a weekend pass. Advance tickets, allowing entrance at 11.30 each day, may also be purchased. Admission for visitors under 14 is free, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

4moreinfo; contact:- Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

15th August 2014.

© Work Hard PR 2014

***GIGANTIC 9TH LONDON INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CONVENTION 27/28/29 SEPTEMBER NEWS UPDATE***

Even more phenomenal artists, attractions and acts have been confirmed for the 9th London International Tattoo Convention, the greatest, most respected and prestigious body art convention in the world, taking place over the weekend of 27th, 28th and 29th September at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, London E1W 2SF.

Miami Ink TV star Chris Garver will fly in to London to join his previously announced Miami Ink star colleague Ami James, plus Tim Hendricks of NY Ink, Oliver Peck of Ink Master USA, Tattoo Baby of Ink Master USA and Juan Salgado of Ink Master USA.

Risqué raven haired vixen Beatrix Von Bourbon, who has been voted one of 21st Century Burlesque’s top 50 burlesque artists worldwide for the last 4 years running, has been confirmed to star on the Main Stage at various times over the weekend. In Spring 2012 Beatrix’s controversial appearance on Britain's Got Talent (Series 6) live semi-final, watched by over 8 million viewers, sparked an Ofcom investigation, which found her act to be ‘on the margins of acceptability’. Not one to miss then! www.vonbourbon.com

Simon Chainey Tattoo Fire Performer has also been added as a main stage attraction. An incredibly skilled high energy fire performer who turned his love of circus skills from a hobby into a full time profession several years ago, Simon has devised a spectacular solo set for the convention. www.simonchainey.com

Power Trio The Dirty Johnsons, who have been described as one of the most incendiary live acts in the UK, have been added to the Voodoo Crypt stage. Fronted by the formidable Pussycat, who is renowned for prowling the audience while the adrenalin fuelled band pound out their infectious blend of punky rock ‘n’ roll, The Dirty Johnsons’ high impact, raw, energetic show is bound to astound. www.thedirtyjohnsons.com

Old school R & B Rockers Snatch It Back, founded by former Groundhogs drummer Ken Pustelnik, who play an oddly irresistible hybrid of R & B, Swing, and Psychedelic Blues Rock, have been confirmed to play on the Voodoo Crypt stage.

Gorgeous lingerie / glamour model Ellis Cooper will be at the Convention all weekend, introducing her exclusive merchandise, and signing copies of her 2014 calendar.

4moreinfo; contact:- Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

13th September 2013.

© Work Hard PR 2013

***GIGANTIC 9TH LONDON INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CONVENTION 27/28/29 SEPTEMBER 2013 @TOBACCO DOCK E1W 2SF***

The 9th London International Tattoo Convention, the greatest, most respected and prestigious body art convention in the world, is to be held on 27th, 28th and 29th September 2013 at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, London E1W 2SF.

Well over 300 of the finest tattoo artists in the world have already been accredited, including TV stars such as Ami James (Miami Ink & NY Ink), Tim Hendricks (NY Ink), Oliver Peck (Ink Master USA), Tattoo Baby (Ink Master USA) and Juan Salgado (Ink Master USA).

Established in 2005, The London Tattoo Convention has evolved into a gigantic, buzzing, full-on, world record breaking event, encompassing multiple aspects of tattoo culture and boasting a huge range of mind-blowing alternative lifestyle attractions and entertainment. Each year, the global Tattoo Life Publication organizers have strived to outdo the previous event’s tumultuous success, and 2013’s extravaganza promises the richest smorgasbord of essential live musical acts, spectacular alternative entertainers and inspirational exhibitions ever.

Amazing world class acts and alternative performances, from burlesque to sword swallowing, striptease and trapeze, are set to enthrall on the Main Stage, underneath Tobacco Dock’s magnificent 19th Century glass dome, which crowns the huge vaulted glass roof of this historic building.

The Fuel Girls - the original and best fire breathing, tattooed acrobatic dance troupe on the planet, will return to star as the resident performers on the main stage at various times all weekend with a brand new show, specially designed for the London Tattoo Convention. This unstoppable dangerous, wild and playful mayhem machine will take to the air in hoops and on silks, breathe fire balls into the sky, dance with swords of fire, woo you with their tribal belly dancing and amaze you with their acrobatic pole skills. Their shows have taken them across the world in previous years, from the Playboy Mansion in LA to the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. They have toured Europe with Motorhead, performed in arenas of 80,000 at the biggest FMX sporting events and had their own series on Playboy TV, following their antics around the world. The Fuel Girls, whose shows are always entertaining, dangerous, sexy, unconventional and fun, can’t wait to rock the roof off Tobacco Dock. www.fuelgirls.co.uk or www.facebook.com/TheFuelGirls

Huey And The New Yorkers are set to headline The Voodoo Crypt stage on Saturday September 28th – Huey Morgan's musical mind is like a Santa's grotto full of sonic swag: over 100 years of musical appreciation, from America's Tin Pan Alley onwards, from swing to punk to afro-funk, the kind of widescreen knowledge which has made him one of Britain's best-loved Radio DJs (on both BBC 6Music and the mighty Radio 2). Huey, frontman of the multi-million selling Fun Lovin’ Criminals, will be performing songs from his debut solo album 'Say It To My Face' in a pared down set and will be joined by 2 members from Huey and the New Yorkers. ‘Say It To My Face’ is a bold, beautiful, poignant, funny, profoundly authentic old-school rock ‘n’ roll blast, Huey’s baritone croon now giving Tom Waits a considerable run for his tobacco-flavoured money. A conversational powerhouse adept with a wry quip and an in-demand TV panellist (Never Mind The Buzzcocks, The Wright Stuff), Huey’s set on Saturday Night is one definitely not to miss. www.hueyandthenewyorkers.com

Voodoo Crypt compere / host Vince Ray (also an artist renowned for his unique record covers, T-shirts and tattoo designs) and his band The Bone Shakers will play multiple sets all over the weekend. The Boneshakers, a classic rockabilly/punk trio with guitar, double bass and drums, who sound “Like Eddie Cochran colliding with Motorhead”, are an unmissable, truly organic rock beast, whose songs are the sonic equivalent of Vince’s artwork—all about foxy femme fatales, hell-bent hot rods and ghoulish grave-robbing greasers. Vince has shared bills with artists such as The Meteors, Demented Are Go, The Kings Of Nuthin’ and The Damned. He has toured Europe extensively with the likes of The Stray Cats and the Reverend Horton Heat and recorded two albums with The Boneshakers, whose live appearances are a visual feast, with hand painted instruments, giant backdrops and tattoos everywhere. www.vinceray.com

Gentlemen Of Distorted Sound – Classic Hard Rockers the Gentlemen Of Distorted Sound, whose front man Gareth Nugent is a distant cousin of famed American rocker Ted, are set to rock the roof off of the Voodoo Crypt. Reviewing the band’s ‘Bone Idol’ EP, Classic Rock Magazine stated that “Contrary to appearances, doing the simple things well is a lot harder than dazzling people with technical dexterity or compositional cleverness. Gentlemen Of Distorted Sound are espousing a straight-down-the-line classic rock ethos on these 5 rambunctious, balls – out anthems, but there is a world of difference between emulating an established formula and presenting rock’n’roll fans with songs that deliver that all-important adrenalin surge without knowing nods to the past. Somehow, against the odds and possibly in spite of themselves, G.O.D.S. sound curiously original. Of course, you would have to be mad or deaf to miss the influence of The Cult looming over the opening ‘Electric’, but it’s as strong as anything in Astbury and Duffy’s repertoire, while the remaining four tracks veer from motoring, punk-tinged grunge to muscular, turbo-boogie, as vocalist Gareth Nugent showers everything with a bluesy character and conviction.” www.gentlemenofdistortedsound.co.uk

Urban Voodoo Machine – Part Tom Waits, part Gogol Bordello and part demented cabaret, this London collective marries a whole cavalcade of genres, including mariachi, gypsy punk and sideshow rock ‘n’ roll. Led by Norwegian born Paul-Ronney Angel,
Urban Voodoo Machine feature between 7 to 12 musicians playing guitars, drums, fiddle, trumpet, banjo, washboard, upright bass, gong, mandolin, accordion, harmonicas, saxophone, tuba, sousaphone and even empty bottles & tie racks to build their unique brand of bourbon soaked ‘Gypsy Blues Bop ‘n’ Stroll’.

Empress Of Fur – At the front of the new wave of female led psychobilly and punkabilly bands, Empress Of Fur, who emerged from the flat, godforsaken landscape of the Eastern Fenlands, play guitar driven Voodoobilly from the murkiest rock ‘n’ roll swamp. Check out www.facebook.com/Empress.of.Fur for further info.

Elegy Ellem - A huge hit at last year’s convention, Elegy Ellem, the sexy model and top Burlesque performer with an hourglass figure, will fly in once again from her native Sweden for the whole weekend to star on the main stage. Elegy Ellem, who varies her extraordinary performances from cute pin-up style with a twist to pure erotic fetish acts, is creating a whole new show especially for this year’s LTC. You never know what to expect when this sexy, seductive creature steps on stage; she loves to experiment with styles and always brings something unique. www.elegyellem.se

The Nerdy Stripper, another massive hit at last year’s extravaganza, the Nerdy Stripper will be back to thrill the audience with her unique, breath taking, raunchy nerdgasm spectacle. After years of pushing the boundaries and challenging the rules about tattoos in clubs since she made her stage debut in Toronto in 2008, she has become known as the ‘Most Heavily tattooed stripper in Toronto’. Peeling off her nerdy costumes, she unveils tattoos of Yoda, Iron Man, The Hulk and Wonder Woman, tattooed by such famous artists as Chris Lowe; you'll never know what she'll pull out of her latex Darth Vader sleeve!

Cervena Fox, the international alt/fetish model and burlesque performer, known for her trademark fiery red hair and striking looks, will perform her brand new stage show at the 2013 convention. She loves to travel for shoots and has frequently visited various states of America including LA, New York, Baltimore, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. Don’t miss the chance to check out Cervena’s stunning stage show, featuring a Queen of the Damned inspired strip-tease, all infused with gore and aggression!

Miss Pinup UK – The final of the inaugural Miss Pinup UK Competition, aimed at all women who embody timeless glamour and Pinup appeal, celebrating beauty of all ages, sizes and colours, will be judged at the London Tattoo Convention. Guest judges include Beatrix Von Bourbon, UK pinup and incredible International Burlesque performer (as seen on Britain’s Got talent), who will be performing her bespoke LTC act throughout the weekend, and Sini Tarkkinen, Finnish international Pinup model, also known as Ariell, apprentice to Mitzu on the hit Finnish TV show HelsINK. For more info visit the pinupUK.com website, which contains all the details.

Janet Fischietto, the seductive Italian “30’s Circus Burlesque” performer whose stage character embodies the “tattooed lady” of the circus, will shimmer on the main stage all 3 days of the convention. Each and every detail of her outfits, choice of tattoo subjects, music and attitude reflect the multicoloured, dreamy “30’s Circus Burlesque” style. Definitely a ‘must see’.

Cleo Watternström The Tattoo Energy Calendar Girl 2014 - The stunning, golden skinned model who graces every page of 2014’s Tattoo Energy Calendar, will be at the Tattoo Life stand (hall G 10 UPPER FLOOR) all weekend. Cleo, who is also, and primarily, a tattoo artist in her own right, working at Lifestyle Tattoo in Stockholm, is covered in tattoos that range from the Foo Fighters to horror classics of the Golden Age of Cinema, exotic animals and two pieces of lettering that sum up her philosophy in a nutshell; LT, for Lifestyle Tattoo! Don’t miss the chance to let her show you the billboards of the stunning calendar shots, and then autograph your own copy after posing for a photo together!

Amsterdam Tattoo Museum, The mobile exhibition organised by the famous Amsterdam Tattoo Museum, will travel to The London Tattoo Convention to parade a vast range of tattoo-related artifacts and collectables from all the four corners of the earth. On display will be ancient tattoo machines, artists' tools, acetate stencils, business cards, photos, drawings, and examples of western tattoo styles, including old flash from the 1950's to the 1970's. This unique collection bears witness to an art as ancient as time and modern as tomorrow.

Prints from the Aeons-Tulpa installation and exhibition by Jondix - Aeons-Tulpa is renowned Spanish tattoo artist Jondix's first solo exhibition of a singular body of work. The show's visual imagery is a metaphysical exploration of the artist's interior world; Jondix conceptualizes Aeons-Tulpa as both “place” and a “state of mind”. Nine prints are arranged in rows and columns of three to create the shape of a square, with the tenth print displayed off to the side. Central to the installation is the idea of energy and connection, where each of the ten prints are not only physically connected, but also spiritually connected to the artist. The iconography is a confluence of motifs with Jondix's signature mystical imagery and Eastern-influenced patterning. His vision lexicon borrows from Eastern philosophies and incorporates auspicious symbols, deities and ritualistic objects combined with allusions to personal fantasy and science fiction.
The International London Tattoo Convention will be the first venue to exhibit the prints from the Aeons-Tulpa installation.  

http://aeons-tulpa.com

By All Means Necessary Exhibition

Hard rock, heavy metal, and tattoos have always gone hand in hand, and this is reflected in the iconography of so many tattoos. In the By All Means Necessary Exhibition, each artist involved was asked to create a homage to their favourite band - some sign or drawing to illustrate how much they have meant in their lives. The result is an eclectic mix of works on square canvas in the format of old Vinyl LP sleeves, featuring radically reworked covers of the likes of Motorhead’s ‘Orgasmatron’, Bad Religion’s ‘American Jesus’ and The Ramones’ ‘Gabba Gabba Hey!!’ albums. An exhibition catalogue will be on sale at the show.

Dark Arts – the UK’s leading alternative model agency, who provide genuine alternative models, promotions and background artists with unique looks – tattoos, piercings, unusual hair styles and much more - will have a team at their LTC stand, where you can meet a number of their stunning models (both male and female) in person.

Jamaica Inn - This year will host a “Golden Ale” Beer Festival with favourites from Dark Star, Surrey Hills, Crouch Vale, Hop Back and Salopian Breweries to name but a few alongside the infamous Brew Dog and their heralded Punk IPA! An amazing selection of “Real Ciders and Perry’s” will complement the atmosphere being kicked started by the legendary Northern Soul DJ Tony Class spinning tunes from his massive and varied repertoire until 01.00am

Tattoo Contests – As always, the biggest show on offer is provided by the visitors themselves, who will compete in the Tattoo contests for ‘Best Of Day’, ‘Best Back Piece’, ‘Best Colours’, ‘Best Black And Grey’ and ‘Best Of Show’.

A wide range of food and drink - catering for all tastes - will be available on site from restaurants on the ground floor and the outside food court, plus various traditional East End themed pubs and a dedicated real ale bar, all licensed until 1.00am, on the lower vault floor.

More vendors and traders than ever before will be offering a huge range of tattoo equipment, flash and aftercare products, let alone a mind boggling range of of alternative merchandise, body jewellery, latex, burlesque, fetish, rockabilly, goth, 50’s pin-up, skate and rocker clothing stalls which will be packed into the huge lower vault floor.

For more info go to www.thelondontattooconvention.com from which advance tickets are available priced at £20 for Friday, £30 for Saturday, £25 for Sunday, or £55 for a weekend pass. Advance tickets, allowing entrance at 11.30 each day, may also be purchased. Admission for visitors under 14 is free, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

For All Press & Media Enquiries; contact:- Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

16th July 2013.

© Work Hard PR 2013

***AWESOME 8TH LONDON INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CONVENTION 28/29/30 SEPTEMBER 2012 @ TOBACCO DOCK***

The 8th London International Tattoo Convention, which has evolved into the biggest, best, most significant, and utterly awesome convention in the world, has been confirmed for the weekend of September 28/29/30 2012 at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, E1W 2SF.

This year, the Tattoo Life Magazine event organisers have gone all the way to add even more attractions, amazing alternative entertainers, inspirational exhibitions, bands and musical acts at this inexorably expanding, world record breaking, mega event.

Even more of (the UK and) the world’s most famous tattoo artists will be practicing their art in public than ever before, working in every style of the art form under the sun in the thirteen sterile halls dedicated to tattooing.

Over 300 elite tattoo artists have already been confirmed and there is a waiting list of more than 1,000 big names still hoping to be accredited. Miami Ink / NYC Ink star Ami James and Miami Ink / Inkmaster star Chris Nunez, will come to the London Tattoo Convention for the first time.

A whole host of hot musical acts have already been booked for the London International Tattoo Convention 2012:-

The Neville Staples Band, Larry Miller, The Brothers Grimm, Vince Ray and The Bone Shakers, and Henry’s Funeral Shoe are all confirmed to play live in Vince Ray’s Voodoo Crypt, with many more to be added.

Neville Staples, the original Rude Boy, and his foot stompin’ band will headline the Voodoo Crypt stage on Saturday 29th September. Neville Staples is a founder member of Coventry’s The Specials, who spearheaded the ska revival Two Tone movement in the late Seventies, released two top ten albums and scored huge hit singles with such anthems as ‘Too Much Too Young’, ‘Ghost Town’, ‘A Message To You Rudy’, ‘Gangsters’ and ‘Rat Race’. He then formed Fun Boy Three, (with Terry Hall and Lynval Golding after the Specials split up), who notched up even more hit singles with the likes of ‘The Lunatics (have Taken Over The Asylum)’, ‘The Telephone Always Rings’, ‘Summertime’, ‘The Tunnel Of Love’, plus ‘It Ain’t What You Do…’ (with Bananarama) and ‘Really Saying Something’ (with Bananarama). In the 90’s he worked with Rancid, No Doubt and Unwritten Law in California, before returning to the UK in the Noughties to form The Neville Staple Band.

Sensational Blues Rock Guitarist Larry Miller and his band are confirmed to play an explosive set on Saturday evening. Undeniably one of the must see blues/rock acts, famous for his exciting, mesmerising guitar playing and rip roaring shows, Larry is a unique, electrifying showman. He holds the record for the most encores at The Cambridge Rock Festival (in 2009), returning the following year to a capacity crowd and a standing ovation. Larry Miller has released 6 albums since 1997, all of which have had great critical acclaim. The latest, 2012’s ‘Unfinished Business' won a 5/5 review in Classic Rock magazine who stated that " He's the fieriest, fruitiest, ballsiest blues rock guitarist you'll ever likely to hear".

Back by enormous popular demand, garage blues duo Henry’s Funeral Shoe whose new album, ‘Donkey Jacket’, has just been released to rave reviews, are also confirmed to play live on Saturday. Mojo’s Andy Fyfe proclaimed in his review of ‘Donkey Jacket’ that “there’s much to admire on Welsh brothers Aled and Brennig Clifford’s second album…A mixture of White Stripes simplicity and crunching Black Keys boogie, the brothers distinguish themselves by entering at the ZZ Top end of the blues spectrum, and even Billy Gibbons might doff his sequined sombrero to Aled’s berserker riffing. The unreconstructed titles – ‘Love Is A Fever’, ‘Anvil & Chains’, ‘Heart On Fire’, ‘Gimme Back My Morphine’ – also match the unreconstructed whisky’n’slide blues within, so it’s no surprise to hear the occasional harp being blown or piano tinkled as they burrow through a world that may have been born in the Delta but has now found a raucous home in the Valleys.” Henry’s Funeral Shoe have just returned from a very successful week long US tour, which culminated with a headline slot at Minnesota’s Deep Blues Festival on July 1st.

Legendary Blues Brothers tribute band The Brothers Grimm, who reformed to play their first gig in eleven years at the Bulldog Bash in 2010, are set to get back together again to star on the Voodoo Crypt stage on Friday.

Voodoo Crypt compere / host Vince Ray, (also an artist renowned for his unique record covers, T-shirts and tattoo designs), and his band The Bone Shakers will play multiple sets all over the weekend. The Boneshakers, a classic rockabilly/punk trio with guitar, double bass and drums, who sound “Like Eddie Cochran colliding with Motorhead”, are an unmissable, truly organic rock beast, whose songs are the sonic equivalent of Vince’s artwork—all about foxy femme fatales, hell-bent hot rods and ghoulish grave-robbing greasers.

Legendary Soul DJ Tony Class will be spinning Northern Soul Classics from 8pm till late on both Friday and Saturday evenings in the Jamaica Inn Soul Bar.

Numerous mind boggling Alternative shows and performances are scheduled to take place throughout the weekend on the main concourse stage, including:-

Lucky Hell, ‘The Sword Swallowing Painted Lady’, a seductress of the stage with the dance moves to prove it, and a death defying performance artist with the scars to show for it, will present a full, 35 minute repertoire. Skilled in the artistry and theatrics of the classic circus and modern day sideshow, Lucky is a glamourous, badass showgirl who performs with one of a kind, fully rhinestoned swords, hammers and machetes to devastating effect.

The Fuel Girls, the edgiest, sexiest, most adrenaline filled kick ass fire breathing, rock and roll dance and stunt show on the planet, who were a massive hit with the crowds last year, will be back with select, unmissable performances throughout the weekend.

The Nerdy Stripper, who has been pushing the boundaries and challenging the rules about tattoos in clubs since she made her stage debut in Toronto in 2008, is set to thrill with her breath taking lapdance. As the ‘Most Heavily tattooed stripper in Toronto’ peels off her nerdy cosplay, she unveils tattoos of Yoda, Iron Man, The Hulk and Wonder Woman, tattooed by such famous artists as Chris Lowe.

Elegy Ellem, the sexy model and top Burlesque performer, who varies her performances from cute pin-up style with a twist to pure erotic fetish acts, will fly in once again from her native Sweden for the weekend. You never know what can happen when this sexy creature steps on stage, so prepare to be surprised and stunned when she performs.

Les Soeurs Tribales, a Tribal Bellydance & Modern Urban Fusion Dance troupe from Italy, will wow audiences with a brand new Improvisational Tribal Style format, inspired by Old School Tribal Bellydance, but with a contemporary twist.

Sabina Kelley an elegant and sensual pin-up girl with singular grace and style, and a hugely successful burlesque artist to boot, will be signing copies of the Tattoo Energy Calendar 2013, featuring her breath taking curves and marvellous tattoos, captured by legendary photographer Christian Saint, at the Tattoo Life stand.

There will be a parallel take on the world of tattoo, a cultural slant, marked by special visual art exhibitions and events.

The Amsterdam Tattoo Museum, will travel to London for the first time to exhibit a vast range of tattoo-related artifacts and collectables from the four corners of the earth. On display will be ancient tattoo machines, artists' tools, acetate stencils, business cards, photos, drawings and examples of western tattoo styles including old flash from the 1950's to the 1970's.

Vis Dearum is an exhibition highlighting the massive contribution of female artists in the world of tattoo, in which the power of artistic creativity brings to life the divine in the female universe. Eighteen leading international women painters and tattoo artists, led by Italian Viola Von Hell, will display their images of gorgeous mysterious pagan divinities such as Aphrodite, Nìke, Parvati, Hera, Minerva and Kali.

Tattoo Nation Film, an 85 minute documentary about Charlie Cartwright, Jack Rudy and Freddy Negrete, the pioneers who boldly opened the first tattoo parlor in the heart of East LA’s Chicano community, will be premiered in London on September 29th. In 1975 Cartwright and Rudy hired Negrete, a recently paroled teenager who, while in jail, unknowingly established iconic images that spoke to an entire generation of Chicanos.
‘Tattoo Nation’ shows how a new, fine line style using detail and shading to achieve a remarkable realism, known as ‘Black & Grey’ was embraced as a new vehicle for self-expression by the Chicano community in East Los Angeles, and subsequently revolutionized the world of ink. For the first time, these legendary figures tell their stories in a feature-length documentary film. Included are other important figures such as David Oropeza and “Chuco” Caballero, winners of many prestigious tattoo competitions.

The Pinhole Camera Project, is a fascinating exhibition on the world of tattooing by Jack Watts, which captures famous tattoo artists at work in their studios, using pinhole cameras. Pinhole cameras give a surreal insight into an artist’s space and the art of tattooing. What is so interesting about this exhibition is that it is not immediately apparent from the photographs what is actually going on. They almost look like operations being carried out. Each space reflects a particular artist on the tattoo scene, the work stations are personalised, and it’s as much about the detail around the movement as it is about the movement itself.

Beyond Tattoo, a truly unique graphics and design exhibition by some of the best-known tattoo artists in the world, will display the stunning works featured in this fantastic new volume of art from 30 of the world’s greatest tattoo artists, including Mike Giant, Javi Castano, Inma, George Campise and El Carlo.

Anatomy Of The Art – Burlesque Surrealism artist Michael Hussar, whose paintings are in the private collections of Warren Beatty, Francis Ford Coppolla and Leonardo Di Caprio, will be painting live ‘alla prima’ at the convention on Saturday the 29th of September. One of the biggest names on the contemporary art scene, Hussar describes his work as "a voyeuristic snapshot of perceived humanity, complete with freaks and fakery; a gothic Wonderland illuminating the grey area between truths and lies." Hugely influential among tattoo artists the world over for his figurative style and use of colour, Hussar will start working on a new painting and finish without interruptions – ‘alla prima’ - in just one shot.

Tattoo Contests – As always, the biggest show on offer is provided by the visitors themselves, who will compete in the Tattoo contests for ‘Best Of Day’, ‘Best Back Piece’, ‘Best Back Ornament’, ‘Best Colours’, ‘Best Black And Grey’ and ‘Best Of Show’.

A wide range of food and drink - catering for all tastes - will be available on site from restaurants on the ground floor and the outside food court, plus various traditional East End themed pubs and a dedicated real ale bar, all licensed until 1.00am, on the lower vault floor.

There will be a huge mass of tattoo equipment, flash and supplies stalls, let alone a humungous number of alternative merchandise and clothing plus massive fetish and vintage retro markets on the lower ground floor, making a wall-to-wall extravaganza of rockabilly, goth, 50’s pin-up, punk and rocker clothing.

For more info go to www.thelondontattooconvention.com, from which tickets are available priced at £20 for Friday, £30 for Saturday, £25 for Sunday, or £55 for a weekend pass.

For All Press & Media Enquiries; contact:- Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

6th July 2012.

© Work Hard PR 2012

***MASSIVE 7TH INTERNATIONAL LONDON TATTOO CONVENTION 23/24/25 SEPTEMBER 2011 @ TOBACCO DOCK***

The seventh International London Tattoo Convention, now the most important and crowded convention in the world, will be held over the weekend of September 23/24/25 at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, E1W 2SF. This year, the organizers of this world record breaking event are opening up even more areas, rooms and attractions than ever before, to meet the public’s inexorably increasing interest in body art.

Established in 2005, The London International Tattoo Convention, organized by the global Tattoo Life Publication, had outgrown original venue the Old Truman Brewery by 2007 and moved to the enormous Tobacco Dock in 2008. In 2009 organizers set the ‘Guinness World Record for The Most People Being Tattooed Simultaneously’, while well over 20,000 thronged Tobacco Dock in 2010 and even more are expected through the doors in 2011.

More than 250 of the world’s absolute elite tattooists (selected from well over 1,000 applications) will be practicing their art in public, working in multiple styles of the art form this year:-

*Chicano style artists working include Jose Lopez, Ben Grillo, Fonzy, Manuel Valenzuela, Steve Soto, Chuey Quintanar, Carlos Torres and Dr Lakra.
*New skool style artists working include Adrian Lee, Matt Stamah, Ron Earhart, Boris, Jim Miner, Phil Holt and Jeff Gogue.
*Traditional style artists working include Tim Hendricks (star of new TV show NYC Ink), Bill Loika, Chad Koeplinger, Theo Jak, Steve Bolz, Charlie Roberts, Theo Mindell and Scott Sylvia.
*Japanese style (modern) artists working include Mike Rubendall, Henning Jorgensen, Pino Cafaro, Dalmiro, Shige, Genko, and Dalmiro, while japanese style (traditional) artists working include the Horiyoshi III family, Horitaka, Rico and Jess Yen.
*Realism style artists working include Nikki Hurtado, Alex de Pase and Shane O'Neill.
*Horror style artists working include Rober Hernandez, Jack Ribeiro, Milosh, Dan Marshall, Tim Kern, Liorcifer, Erik de l'etoile, Ethan Morgan and Lenu.
*Tribal style artists working include Jondix, Mike the Athens, Tas, Brent McCown,  Daniel di Mattia, and Jacqueline Spoerle.
*Comic style style artists working include Jesus Salayero, Dimitri and STeph D.

As ever, there will be a massive amount of tattoo equipment and supplies stalls, exhibitions, artistic events, alternative attractions and distractions at this polished and rounded event, which has come such a long way since its inception.

Major 2 Tone Ska acts The Beat and The Selector are already confirmed to play headline sets in the sprawling underground Jamaica Inn over the weekend; Vince Ray and The Boneshakers will once again headline The Voodoo Crypt, and many many more acts have yet to be announced.

The massive, spectacular, semi-submerged underground vault floor boasts wide lounge areas where select magical, jaw-dropping alternative performers will astound at regular intervals throughout the weekend.
There will be a humungous number of alternative merchandise and clothing plus massive fetish and vintage retro markets on the lower ground floor, making a wall-to-wall extravaganza of rockabilly, goth, 50’s pin-up, punk and rocker clothing.

A wide range of food and drink - catering for all tastes - will be available on site from restaurants on the ground floor and the outside food court, plus various traditional East End themed pubs and a dedicated real ale bar, all licensed until 1.00am, on the lower vault floor.

Tattoo Art For Japan / Art Auction For The Red Cross Japan Relief Fund – Among the numerous shows and exhibitions planned for the London Tattoo Convention, a special mention must be made for this fund raising artistic project. This exhibition of Japanese art and tradition, put together thanks to the hard work, generosity and involvement of Diamond Jim of Old Style Tattoo in Cologne / Koln, presents works made specifically for the event by Mick Tattoo (Zurich), Mike Wilson (USA), Shad (Belgium), Dan Sinnes (Luxembourg), Chad Koeplinger (USA), Chriss Dettmer (Germany), Dave Fox (USA), Scott Smith (USA), Steve Burton (Canada) and many other top artists. Jim’s objective is to auction all the works of Tattoo Art Japan over the three days of the convention and donate 100% of the proceeds to the Red Cross Japan Relief Fund.

Vanessa Lake Calendar – Amazing American alt model Vanessa Lake, one of the sexiest fetish glamour models on the planet, will be at the Tattoo Life booth to chat with her fans and sign copies of The Tattoo Energy 2012 Calendar. Each page of the calendar features her breath taking body, beautifully highlighted by photographer Christian Saint against a back drop set in a mysterious motel, out of time, right in line with her tattoos; exclusively sleeves with illustrations inspired by Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice In Wonderland’ and ‘Through The Looking Glass’ works. Check out www.ispyvanessalake.com.

Elegy Ellem – Sexy model and top Burlesque performer Elegy Ellem, who varies her performances from cute pin-up style with a twist to pure erotic fetish acts, will fly in from her native Sweden for the weekend. You never know what can happen when this sexy creature steps on stage, so prepare to be surprised and stunned when she performs on the main stage of the convention. Website - www.elegyellem.se.

The Fuel Girls’ ‘Fire And Air Cabaret Show’ featuring the Amazing Ari and Collette – The Fuel Girls, who have a built a formidable reputation for the edgiest, sexiest, most adrenaline filled kick ass fire breathing, rock and roll dance and stunt show on the planet, will perform a very special set on the main stage of the convention. Their ‘Fire And Air Cabaret Show’, featuring the Amazing Ari and Collette, containing fire, aerial hoops, trapeze, not a lot of clothing and a whole lot of attitude, is simply breath-taking. Highly experienced aerial artist Collette, who has previously toured with Cirque Du Soleil, and is currently starring in the new Phantom Of The Opera show in the West End, will leave the audience open mouthed with her graceful and gravity defying moves as she swoops overhead in a stunning series of moves. The Amazing Ari, who has appeared in a variety of UK television features for both ITV and the BBC, specialises in aerial circus arts, aerial silk, Spanish web, corde lisse, static trapeze, aerial ring, harness work and fire dance. He will perform a double ‘Tango’ themed hoop show with Fuel Girl Teta, as well as his Sailor show on a rope, Moulin Rouge, Arabia and many more themed shows. Website – www.fuelgirls.co.uk

Woodcut Portraits – Alex Binnie, one of Britain’s most famous tattooists and owner of popular London tattoo shop Into You, will present his exhibition of woodcut portraits for the first time during the London Tattoo Convention. A re-interpretation of the current woodblock prints that made Japanese Floating World Art so popular, 30 portraits of tattooed people, including some such famous international tattooists as Filip Leu, Jondix and Freddy Corbin, cut on wood and then printed on Japanese paper, will be on display.
An alternative artistic journey between the traditions of the past and the world of modern tattoo, this is also Alex Binnie’s personal tribute to Japanese traditional art, of which he is a master with his works on skin. Alexbinnie.com

The Oxford British Tattoo History Museum – Bringing the past to life with an extensive collection of evocative tattoo art objects, the Oxford British Tattoo History Museum is one of the most important world institutions in the history of tattooing. A historical / anthropological exhibition of tattoo art objects amassed by museum founder and curator Lionel Titchener, who began collecting in 1975, will be on display. This precious unique collection includes numerous ancient tattoo machines, much memorabilia, and a wide variety of tools used over the ages – from, for example, a small, carved Japanese bone to an old Roman tool of the 4th century BC.

Chris Conn Seminar – Internationally acclaimed San Franciscan artist and tattoo genius Chris Conn, will hold a seminar on the design and rendering of the female face and form for tattooists. Chris, who worked as a tattoo artist from 1990 to 2006, when he retired to focus on his amazing art and illustration, will outline a system he developed over the years for generating solid, dynamic, female-subject designs quickly and efficiently with a minimum of reference. During the convention he will hold a three-hour-plus seminar for tattooists, focusing on achieving mood and drama with facial and physical expression, how to represent specific body parts and proportions (breasts, eyes, hair, hands, legs etc), use of shading and skin tone, keeping the balance between detail and clarity, how the layout and scale affect the drawing, ensuring a sense of life and spirit in the design, evolving your own personal style and much, much more. Visit Sekretcity.com for more info and to enroll in advance of the convention.

Le Sante Peccatrici – (Sinful Saints / Holy Sinners). This exhibition, dedicated to the saints of the Catholic tradition, aims to show the strong and creative female face of the mainly male dominated tattoo sector. Promoted by Viola Von Hell and coordinated with Valentina De Rosa, Sofia Mesisca and Valentina Franzetti, 31 works of art, created by some of the best female Italian tattooists, along with a group of young promising international artists, will be on display. The artists involved worked with the figures of saints, each one generating a unique interpretation, using different formats, materials and techniques – pencil, graphite, acrylic, chalk, watercolour and oil paint on wood, card and cloth, to create striking images. The idea of using female saints as the main subject of the exhibition was not random; it was inspired by the stories historic, strong women who sacrificed themselves to support their beliefs.

Tattoo Contests – As always, the biggest show on offer is provided by the visitors themselves, who will compete in the Tattoo contests for ‘Best Of Day’, ‘Best Back Piece’, ‘Best Back Ornament’, ‘Best Colours’, ‘Best Black And Grey’ and ‘Best Of Show’.

For more info go to www.thelondontattooconvention.com , from which tickets are available priced at £20 for Friday, £30 for Saturday, £25 for Sunday, or £55 for a weekend pass.

Press & Media Enquiries; contact:- Roland Hyams – 02086778466 / 07768 156392

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

28th July 2011.

© Work Hard PR 2011

***WORLD RECORD BREAKING
INTERNATIONAL LONDON TATTOO CONVENTION 24/25/26 SEPTEMBER 2010***

The Sixth London International Tattoo Convention, which takes place over the weekend of September 24/25/26 at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, London E1W 2SF,
is all set to be even bigger and better than 2009’s record breaking event.

The ‘Guinness World Record For The Most People Being Tattooed Simultaneously’ was awarded to The London Tattoo Convention organisers after 178 of the world’s top tattooists and their clients collaborated in achieving this milestone record at Tobacco Dock on September 24th 2009.

Established in 2005, The London International Tattoo Convention, organised by the global Tattoo Life Publication, has now evolved into the most important and crowded convention in the world, let alone the Number One Alternative Event Of The Year in London.

In 2005, it was estimated that one in eight of all British adults had been inked. Now, in 2010, it is estimated that a fifth of all British adults have got at least one tattoo; among 16 – 44 year olds, both men and women, this figure rises to 29%.

It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the London International Tattoo Convention will take up even more of the vast space at Tobacco Dock than 2009’s tumultuous, vibrant event, when well over 20,000 members of the public converged on Wapping.

Tobacco Dock, a completely renovated hidden treasure of beautiful Victorian architecture, built in 1812 to store and market tobacco imported from the East, just a few minutes from Tower Bridge, has proved to be the perfect location for the convention, which had outgrown the original venue, Brick Lane’s Old Truman Brewery, by 2007.

This year, more than 200 of the world’s most famous tattooists will be practicing their art in public in all the spacious sterile areas on the vast ground floor level of Tobacco Dock, including such UK stars as Nicole Low (London Ink), Phil Kyle (London Ink), and Lal Hardy (New Wave). A whole host of international artists will be flying in from all over the world, including Tim Hendricks from Miami Ink, Filip Leu (the only convention he is attending this year), The Horiyoshi III family from Japan (who work by hand in the Tebori style), Jose Lopez and Chuey Quintanar (the best Chicano tattooers), Robert Hernandez (famous for horror style), plus Jondix and Mike The Athens (Tibetan style), to name just a few.

There will be a mind boggling amount of alternative events and complementary entertainment to enjoy, including numerous photographic exhibitions, artistic events, live rock bands, tribal dancers and seductive Burlesque performers from round the world.

The massive, spectacular, semi-submerged underground vault floor boasts wide lounge areas where various dark, jaw-dropping, alternative performers will astound at regular intervals throughout the weekend. There will be a huge amount of alternative merchandise and clothing, tattoo equipment and supplies stalls etc, plus massive fetish and vintage retro markets on the lower ground floor.

A wide range of food and drink - catering for all tastes - will be available from restaurants on the ground floor and the outside food court, plus various traditional East End themed pubs and a dedicated real ale bar, all licensed until 1.00am, on the lower vault floor.

The ‘Vince Ray Rock’n’Roll Voodoo Crypt’ stage will once again be hosted by the charismatic musician (and talented artist) himself whose band, Vince Ray and The Boneshakers, will perform live each day. Other attractions include 50 Foot Woman (www.50ftwoman.com) and bonkers rockers King Kurt (www.kingkurt.com) on Friday September 24th, the (Tribute) Blues Brothers and London Calling (Clash tribute band) on Saturday September 25th and Smokey Bastard (www.myspace.com/smokeybastard)
on Sunday September 26th.

Magical Tattooing Exhibition; Anthropologist and Archeologist Lars Krutak has spent the past 15 years researching the culture that connected tattoo, ritual, religion, myth, and nature from which indigenous tattoo culture ultimately sprang. He spent three years studying the symbolism and tattooing practices in the Arctic from 1996, before becoming researcher for the National Museum at the American Indian and then for the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. Between 1998 and 2003 he also worked in several countries of the former Yugoslavia monitoring the democratic reforms and elections for the OSCE. In 2002 Krutak left the Smithsonian to pursue tattoo research full time. He embarked on a world tour devoted to recording the lives, stories and experiences of tattooed people around the globe. He has worked as an Anthropological Consultant for three National Geographic television documentaries, is technical advisor for vanishingtattoo.com and author of the Discovery Channel (USA), Discovery World (Europe) and Discovery Channel and Living (Australia & New Zealand) series Tattoo Hunter, about body modification and tattooing practised by native tribes around the world. The Magical Tattooing Exhibition presents a series of beautiful photos taken by Lars Krutak over the last 15 years. (www.larskrutak.com)

Swallow Tattoo Studio Exhibition; One of the most famous studios in modern Tattoo history, (since the invention of the modern twin-coil electro-magnetic tattoo needle was patented by one Samuel O’Reilly in 1891, an Irish-American tattoist working out of a barber’s shop on Chatham Square in New York), is the Swallow Tattoo Studio in Hong Kong. Swallow, (Lai Shue Keung), was born in China in 1931, but moved to Hong Kong with his family when he was 15 years old. He was taken on as an apprentice by the legendary Rose Tattoo Studio as a teenager, when owner James Ho was working non stop to meet the huge demand of the British and US servicemen based in the local garrisons and naval ports. From the Korean war in 1950 through the mid / late 70’s, after the Vietnam war, Hong Kong’s importance as a strategic port meant that there was never a shortage of fighting men arriving for brief periods of rest and recuperation, eager to get inked. Swallow, who opened his own studio in 1963, amassed a huge collection of old-style flash images of popular tattoos from 1950 up to the late 1970’s, when the last naval fleets left Hong Kong and the Bristish troops vacated their garrisons. British photographer Chris Wroblewski, who has documented the thousands of flash images of military insignia, beautiful pin-ups, tigers, lions, panthers and dragons from the Swallow Tattoo Studio, published in his book, ‘Swallow Tattoo Studio Hong Kong (1963 – 1998)’, will present an unmissable, massive collection of photographs of these images. (www.chriswroblewski.com)

Burlesque Dancers; Sexy, fascinating Burlesque dancing is more popular than ever before. A cabaret show born in Victorian England in the 1800’s, it became popular among the lower classes, often satirising the upper classes. Burlesque today has metamorphosed from an edgy, subversive attraction, to a much more sexy show, focussing on femininity and the art of seduction. The internationally famous stars of Burlesque, Scarlet Daggers and Billy Ray, will thrill with their glamorous performances at different times on the main stage of the Tattoo Convention. (www.scarlettdaggers.com)

El Rana Exhibition; Italian artist Simone El Rana, will display a wide variety of his amazing ‘Ex Voto’ objects, (usually hearts, offered to a deity, typical of neo-Latin countries). These are unique, one of a kind pieces in different formats, using the most eclectic media, including wooden boxes, decorated frames, skateboards and guitars combined with the typical icons of traditional tattoo (the sacred heart, the razor, etc...) as well as antique objects that are used as splendid frames for these pieces. (www.el-rana.com)

The Oxford British Tattoo History Museum; A historical / anthropological exhibition of tattoo art objects amassed by Oxford British Tattoo History Museum founder and curator Lionel Titchener, who began collecting in 1975, will feature numerous ancient tattoo machines and a wide variety of tools used over the ages – from, for example, a small, carved Japanese bone to an old Roman tool of the 4th century BC.

Jesse Lee Denning; An artist from New York, tattoo enthusiast and owner of Invisible NY City, the famous art gallery and tattoo studio in Manhattan, is the Calendar Girl who will take the readers of Tattoo Energy through the year 2011. Her great body decorated with Oriental tattoos mixed with pieces that remind her of her life will take us through the 12 photos of the calendar showing her amazing looks, the shadows of the body and the movement of tattoos on skin. “The girl next door”, sunny and beautiful, in real life as in the photos, will be at the Tattoo Life booth to sign the copy of your calendar! An appointment not to miss… (www.myspace.com/invisinyc)

The Graffiti Kings are a collective of well known and respected artists who, as a unit, promote graffiti as a positive art form. “We see street art as the twin sister of tattooing and our work is certainly infused with imagery from the tattoo world. We look forward to being influenced by everyone at the London Tattoo Convention and putting our own compelling twist on the event.” (www.graffitikings.co.uk)

Les Soeurs Tribales, The premier Italian professional Tribal Belly Dance company, a trio of sensual dancers who mix elements of tribal belly dancing with contemporary dance, exploring fusion and improvisation, will perform on the main stage at various times over the three days of the convention. (www.lessoeurstribales.com)

The Visionary; An incredible collection of black and white images of traditional tattoo culture captured by photographer Edgar Hoill, also known as OSOK (One Shot One Kill). From the gritty borders of Mexico, to the slums of Cuba, Hoill has captured some of the most notorious images from all walks of life - from gangland imagery in the poverty ridden streets of Los Angeles to the high-profile organized crime bosses of the Yakuza in Japan; he’s never missed a shot, nor shaken a frame, thus the moniker. (www.myspace.com/osokill#ixzz0v0WHzaVr)

The biggest show of all, however, will, as ever, be that offered by the visitors themselves, who become the lead characters when they compete in the tattoo contests for different categories, such as Best Tribal, Best Backpiece, Best Black & Grey, Best Colours and Best of Show.

For more info check www.thelondontattooconvention.com from which tickets are available, priced at £20 per day for Friday, £25 for Saturday, £20 for Sunday or £50 for a three day pass.

4moreinfo – Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

5th August 2010.

© Work Hard PR 2010

***WORLD RECORD BREAKING
INTERNATIONAL LONDON TATTOO CONVENTION 24/25/26 SEPTEMBER 2010***

The Sixth London International Tattoo Convention, which takes place over the weekend of September 24/25/26 at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, London E1W 2SF,
is all set to be even bigger and better than 2009’s record breaking event.

The ‘Guinness World Record For The Most People Being Tattooed Simultaneously’ was awarded to The London Tattoo Convention organisers after 178 of the world’s top tattooists and their clients collaborated in achieving this milestone record at Tobacco Dock on September 24th 2009.

Established in 2005, The London International Tattoo Convention, organised by the global Tattoo Life Publication, has now evolved into the most important and crowded convention in the world, let alone the Number One Alternative Event Of The Year in London.

In 2005, it was estimated that one in eight of all British adults had been inked. Now, in 2010, it is estimated that a fifth of all British adults have got at least one tattoo; among 16 – 44 year olds, both men and women, this figure rises to 29%.

It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the London International Tattoo Convention will take up even more of the vast space at Tobacco Dock than 2009’s tumultuous, vibrant event, when well over 20,000 members of the public converged on Wapping.

Tobacco Dock, a completely renovated hidden treasure of beautiful Victorian architecture, built in 1812 to store and market tobacco imported from the East, just a few minutes from Tower Bridge, has proved to be the perfect location for the convention, which had outgrown the original venue, Brick Lane’s Old Truman Brewery, by 2007.

This year, more than 200 of the world’s most famous tattooists will be practicing their art in public in all the spacious sterile areas on the vast ground floor level of Tobacco Dock, including such UK stars as Nicole Low (London Ink), Phil Kyle (London Ink), and Lal Hardy (New Wave). A whole host of international artists will be flying in from all over the world, including Tim Hendricks from Miami Ink, Filip Leu (the only convention he is attending this year), The Horiyoshi III family from Japan (who work by hand in the Tebori style), Jose Lopez and Chuey Quintanar (the best Chicano tattooers), Robert Hernandez (famous for horror style), plus Jondix and Mike The Athens (Tibetan style), to name just a few.

There will be a mind boggling amount of alternative events and complementary entertainment to enjoy, including numerous photographic exhibitions, artistic events, live rock bands, tribal dancers and seductive Burlesque performers from round the world.

The massive, spectacular, semi-submerged underground vault floor boasts wide lounge areas where various dark, jaw-dropping, alternative performers will astound at regular intervals throughout the weekend. There will be a huge amount of alternative merchandise and clothing, tattoo equipment and supplies stalls etc, plus massive fetish and vintage retro markets on the lower ground floor.

A wide range of food and drink - catering for all tastes - will be available from restaurants on the ground floor and the outside food court, plus various traditional East End themed pubs and a dedicated real ale bar, all licensed until 1.00am, on the lower vault floor.

The ‘Vince Ray Rock’n’Roll Voodoo Crypt’ stage will once again be hosted by the charismatic musician (and talented artist) himself whose band, Vince Ray and The Boneshakers, will perform live each day. Other attractions include 50 Foot Woman (www.50ftwoman.com) and bonkers rockers King Kurt (www.kingkurt.com) on Friday September 24th, the (Tribute) Blues Brothers and London Calling (Clash tribute band) on Saturday September 25th and Smokey Bastard (www.myspace.com/smokeybastard)
on Sunday September 26th.

Magical Tattooing Exhibition; Anthropologist and Archeologist Lars Krutak has spent the past 15 years researching the culture that connected tattoo, ritual, religion, myth, and nature from which indigenous tattoo culture ultimately sprang. He spent three years studying the symbolism and tattooing practices in the Arctic from 1996, before becoming researcher for the National Museum at the American Indian and then for the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. Between 1998 and 2003 he also worked in several countries of the former Yugoslavia monitoring the democratic reforms and elections for the OSCE. In 2002 Krutak left the Smithsonian to pursue tattoo research full time. He embarked on a world tour devoted to recording the lives, stories and experiences of tattooed people around the globe. He has worked as an Anthropological Consultant for three National Geographic television documentaries, is technical advisor for vanishingtattoo.com and author of the Discovery Channel (USA), Discovery World (Europe) and Discovery Channel and Living (Australia & New Zealand) series Tattoo Hunter, about body modification and tattooing practised by native tribes around the world. The Magical Tattooing Exhibition presents a series of beautiful photos taken by Lars Krutak over the last 15 years. (www.larskrutak.com)

Swallow Tattoo Studio Exhibition; One of the most famous studios in modern Tattoo history, (since the invention of the modern twin-coil electro-magnetic tattoo needle was patented by one Samuel O’Reilly in 1891, an Irish-American tattoist working out of a barber’s shop on Chatham Square in New York), is the Swallow Tattoo Studio in Hong Kong. Swallow, (Lai Shue Keung), was born in China in 1931, but moved to Hong Kong with his family when he was 15 years old. He was taken on as an apprentice by the legendary Rose Tattoo Studio as a teenager, when owner James Ho was working non stop to meet the huge demand of the British and US servicemen based in the local garrisons and naval ports. From the Korean war in 1950 through the mid / late 70’s, after the Vietnam war, Hong Kong’s importance as a strategic port meant that there was never a shortage of fighting men arriving for brief periods of rest and recuperation, eager to get inked. Swallow, who opened his own studio in 1963, amassed a huge collection of old-style flash images of popular tattoos from 1950 up to the late 1970’s, when the last naval fleets left Hong Kong and the Bristish troops vacated their garrisons. British photographer Chris Wroblewski, who has documented the thousands of flash images of military insignia, beautiful pin-ups, tigers, lions, panthers and dragons from the Swallow Tattoo Studio, published in his book, ‘Swallow Tattoo Studio Hong Kong (1963 – 1998)’, will present an unmissable, massive collection of photographs of these images. (www.chriswroblewski.com)

Burlesque Dancers; Sexy, fascinating Burlesque dancing is more popular than ever before. A cabaret show born in Victorian England in the 1800’s, it became popular among the lower classes, often satirising the upper classes. Burlesque today has metamorphosed from an edgy, subversive attraction, to a much more sexy show, focussing on femininity and the art of seduction. The internationally famous stars of Burlesque, Scarlet Daggers and Billy Ray, will thrill with their glamorous performances at different times on the main stage of the Tattoo Convention. (www.scarlettdaggers.com)

El Rana Exhibition; Italian artist Simone El Rana, will display a wide variety of his amazing ‘Ex Voto’ objects, (usually hearts, offered to a deity, typical of neo-Latin countries). These are unique, one of a kind pieces in different formats, using the most eclectic media, including wooden boxes, decorated frames, skateboards and guitars combined with the typical icons of traditional tattoo (the sacred heart, the razor, etc...) as well as antique objects that are used as splendid frames for these pieces. (www.el-rana.com)

The Oxford British Tattoo History Museum; A historical / anthropological exhibition of tattoo art objects amassed by Oxford British Tattoo History Museum founder and curator Lionel Titchener, who began collecting in 1975, will feature numerous ancient tattoo machines and a wide variety of tools used over the ages – from, for example, a small, carved Japanese bone to an old Roman tool of the 4th century BC.

Jesse Lee Denning; An artist from New York, tattoo enthusiast and owner of Invisible NY City, the famous art gallery and tattoo studio in Manhattan, is the Calendar Girl who will take the readers of Tattoo Energy through the year 2011. Her great body decorated with Oriental tattoos mixed with pieces that remind her of her life will take us through the 12 photos of the calendar showing her amazing looks, the shadows of the body and the movement of tattoos on skin. “The girl next door”, sunny and beautiful, in real life as in the photos, will be at the Tattoo Life booth to sign the copy of your calendar! An appointment not to miss… (www.myspace.com/invisinyc)

The Graffiti Kings are a collective of well known and respected artists who, as a unit, promote graffiti as a positive art form. “We see street art as the twin sister of tattooing and our work is certainly infused with imagery from the tattoo world. We look forward to being influenced by everyone at the London Tattoo Convention and putting our own compelling twist on the event.” (www.graffitikings.co.uk)

Les Soeurs Tribales, The premier Italian professional Tribal Belly Dance company, a trio of sensual dancers who mix elements of tribal belly dancing with contemporary dance, exploring fusion and improvisation, will perform on the main stage at various times over the three days of the convention. (www.lessoeurstribales.com)

The Visionary; An incredible collection of black and white images of traditional tattoo culture captured by photographer Edgar Hoill, also known as OSOK (One Shot One Kill). From the gritty borders of Mexico, to the slums of Cuba, Hoill has captured some of the most notorious images from all walks of life - from gangland imagery in the poverty ridden streets of Los Angeles to the high-profile organized crime bosses of the Yakuza in Japan; he’s never missed a shot, nor shaken a frame, thus the moniker. (www.myspace.com/osokill#ixzz0v0WHzaVr)

The biggest show of all, however, will, as ever, be that offered by the visitors themselves, who become the lead characters when they compete in the tattoo contests for different categories, such as Best Tribal, Best Backpiece, Best Black & Grey, Best Colours and Best of Show.

For more info check www.thelondontattooconvention.com from which tickets are available, priced at £20 per day for Friday, £25 for Saturday, £20 for Sunday or £50 for a three day pass.

4moreinfo – Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

5th August 2010.

© Work Hard PR 2010

***WORLD RECORD BREAKING
INTERNATIONAL LONDON TATTOO CONVENTION 24/25/26 SEPTEMBER 2010***

The Sixth London International Tattoo Convention, which takes place over the weekend of September 24/25/26 at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, London E1W 2SF,
is all set to be even bigger and better than 2009’s record breaking event.

The ‘Guinness World Record For The Most People Being Tattooed Simultaneously’ was awarded to The London Tattoo Convention organisers after 178 of the world’s top tattooists and their clients collaborated in achieving this milestone record at Tobacco Dock on September 24th 2009.

Established in 2005, The London International Tattoo Convention, organised by the global Tattoo Life Publication, has now evolved into the most important and crowded convention in the world, let alone the Number One Alternative Event Of The Year in London.

In 2005, it was estimated that one in eight of all British adults had been inked. Now, in 2010, it is estimated that a fifth of all British adults have got at least one tattoo; among 16 – 44 year olds, both men and women, this figure rises to 29%.

It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the London International Tattoo Convention will take up even more of the vast space at Tobacco Dock than 2009’s tumultuous, vibrant event, when well over 20,000 members of the public converged on Wapping.

Tobacco Dock, a completely renovated hidden treasure of beautiful Victorian architecture, built in 1812 to store and market tobacco imported from the East, just a few minutes from Tower Bridge, has proved to be the perfect location for the convention, which had outgrown the original venue, Brick Lane’s Old Truman Brewery, by 2007.

This year, more than 200 of the world’s most famous tattooists will be practicing their art in public in all the spacious sterile areas on the vast ground floor level of Tobacco Dock, including such UK stars as Nicole Low (London Ink), Phil Kyle (London Ink), and Lal Hardy (New Wave). A whole host of international artists will be flying in from all over the world, including Tim Hendricks from Miami Ink, Filip Leu (the only convention he is attending this year), The Horiyoshi III family from Japan (who work by hand in the Tebori style), Jose Lopez and Chuey Quintanar (the best Chicano tattooers), Robert Hernandez (famous for horror style), plus Jondix and Mike The Athens (Tibetan style), to name just a few.

There will be a mind boggling amount of alternative events and complementary entertainment to enjoy, including numerous photographic exhibitions, artistic events, live rock bands, tribal dancers and seductive Burlesque performers from round the world.

The massive, spectacular, semi-submerged underground vault floor boasts wide lounge areas where various dark, jaw-dropping, alternative performers will astound at regular intervals throughout the weekend. There will be a huge amount of alternative merchandise and clothing, tattoo equipment and supplies stalls etc, plus massive fetish and vintage retro markets on the lower ground floor.

A wide range of food and drink - catering for all tastes - will be available from restaurants on the ground floor and the outside food court, plus various traditional East End themed pubs and a dedicated real ale bar, all licensed until 1.00am, on the lower vault floor.

The ‘Vince Ray Rock’n’Roll Voodoo Crypt’ stage will once again be hosted by the charismatic musician (and talented artist) himself whose band, Vince Ray and The Boneshakers, will perform live each day. Other attractions include 50 Foot Woman (www.50ftwoman.com) and bonkers rockers King Kurt (www.kingkurt.com) on Friday September 24th, the (Tribute) Blues Brothers and London Calling (Clash tribute band) on Saturday September 25th and Smokey Bastard (www.myspace.com/smokeybastard)
on Sunday September 26th.

Magical Tattooing Exhibition; Anthropologist and Archeologist Lars Krutak has spent the past 15 years researching the culture that connected tattoo, ritual, religion, myth, and nature from which indigenous tattoo culture ultimately sprang. He spent three years studying the symbolism and tattooing practices in the Arctic from 1996, before becoming researcher for the National Museum at the American Indian and then for the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. Between 1998 and 2003 he also worked in several countries of the former Yugoslavia monitoring the democratic reforms and elections for the OSCE. In 2002 Krutak left the Smithsonian to pursue tattoo research full time. He embarked on a world tour devoted to recording the lives, stories and experiences of tattooed people around the globe. He has worked as an Anthropological Consultant for three National Geographic television documentaries, is technical advisor for vanishingtattoo.com and author of the Discovery Channel (USA), Discovery World (Europe) and Discovery Channel and Living (Australia & New Zealand) series Tattoo Hunter, about body modification and tattooing practised by native tribes around the world. The Magical Tattooing Exhibition presents a series of beautiful photos taken by Lars Krutak over the last 15 years. (www.larskrutak.com)

Swallow Tattoo Studio Exhibition; One of the most famous studios in modern Tattoo history, (since the invention of the modern twin-coil electro-magnetic tattoo needle was patented by one Samuel O’Reilly in 1891, an Irish-American tattoist working out of a barber’s shop on Chatham Square in New York), is the Swallow Tattoo Studio in Hong Kong. Swallow, (Lai Shue Keung), was born in China in 1931, but moved to Hong Kong with his family when he was 15 years old. He was taken on as an apprentice by the legendary Rose Tattoo Studio as a teenager, when owner James Ho was working non stop to meet the huge demand of the British and US servicemen based in the local garrisons and naval ports. From the Korean war in 1950 through the mid / late 70’s, after the Vietnam war, Hong Kong’s importance as a strategic port meant that there was never a shortage of fighting men arriving for brief periods of rest and recuperation, eager to get inked. Swallow, who opened his own studio in 1963, amassed a huge collection of old-style flash images of popular tattoos from 1950 up to the late 1970’s, when the last naval fleets left Hong Kong and the Bristish troops vacated their garrisons. British photographer Chris Wroblewski, who has documented the thousands of flash images of military insignia, beautiful pin-ups, tigers, lions, panthers and dragons from the Swallow Tattoo Studio, published in his book, ‘Swallow Tattoo Studio Hong Kong (1963 – 1998)’, will present an unmissable, massive collection of photographs of these images. (www.chriswroblewski.com)

Burlesque Dancers; Sexy, fascinating Burlesque dancing is more popular than ever before. A cabaret show born in Victorian England in the 1800’s, it became popular among the lower classes, often satirising the upper classes. Burlesque today has metamorphosed from an edgy, subversive attraction, to a much more sexy show, focussing on femininity and the art of seduction. The internationally famous stars of Burlesque, Scarlet Daggers and Billy Ray, will thrill with their glamorous performances at different times on the main stage of the Tattoo Convention. (www.scarlettdaggers.com)

El Rana Exhibition; Italian artist Simone El Rana, will display a wide variety of his amazing ‘Ex Voto’ objects, (usually hearts, offered to a deity, typical of neo-Latin countries). These are unique, one of a kind pieces in different formats, using the most eclectic media, including wooden boxes, decorated frames, skateboards and guitars combined with the typical icons of traditional tattoo (the sacred heart, the razor, etc...) as well as antique objects that are used as splendid frames for these pieces. (www.el-rana.com)

The Oxford British Tattoo History Museum; A historical / anthropological exhibition of tattoo art objects amassed by Oxford British Tattoo History Museum founder and curator Lionel Titchener, who began collecting in 1975, will feature numerous ancient tattoo machines and a wide variety of tools used over the ages – from, for example, a small, carved Japanese bone to an old Roman tool of the 4th century BC.

Jesse Lee Denning; An artist from New York, tattoo enthusiast and owner of Invisible NY City, the famous art gallery and tattoo studio in Manhattan, is the Calendar Girl who will take the readers of Tattoo Energy through the year 2011. Her great body decorated with Oriental tattoos mixed with pieces that remind her of her life will take us through the 12 photos of the calendar showing her amazing looks, the shadows of the body and the movement of tattoos on skin. “The girl next door”, sunny and beautiful, in real life as in the photos, will be at the Tattoo Life booth to sign the copy of your calendar! An appointment not to miss… (www.myspace.com/invisinyc)

The Graffiti Kings are a collective of well known and respected artists who, as a unit, promote graffiti as a positive art form. “We see street art as the twin sister of tattooing and our work is certainly infused with imagery from the tattoo world. We look forward to being influenced by everyone at the London Tattoo Convention and putting our own compelling twist on the event.” (www.graffitikings.co.uk)

Les Soeurs Tribales, The premier Italian professional Tribal Belly Dance company, a trio of sensual dancers who mix elements of tribal belly dancing with contemporary dance, exploring fusion and improvisation, will perform on the main stage at various times over the three days of the convention. (www.lessoeurstribales.com)

The Visionary; An incredible collection of black and white images of traditional tattoo culture captured by photographer Edgar Hoill, also known as OSOK (One Shot One Kill). From the gritty borders of Mexico, to the slums of Cuba, Hoill has captured some of the most notorious images from all walks of life - from gangland imagery in the poverty ridden streets of Los Angeles to the high-profile organized crime bosses of the Yakuza in Japan; he’s never missed a shot, nor shaken a frame, thus the moniker. (www.myspace.com/osokill#ixzz0v0WHzaVr)

The biggest show of all, however, will, as ever, be that offered by the visitors themselves, who become the lead characters when they compete in the tattoo contests for different categories, such as Best Tribal, Best Backpiece, Best Black & Grey, Best Colours and Best of Show.

For more info check www.thelondontattooconvention.com from which tickets are available, priced at £20 per day for Friday, £25 for Saturday, £20 for Sunday or £50 for a three day pass.

4moreinfo – Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

5th August 2010.

© Work Hard PR 2010

***WORLD RECORD BREAKING
INTERNATIONAL LONDON TATTOO CONVENTION 24/25/26 SEPTEMBER 2010***

The Sixth London International Tattoo Convention, which takes place over the weekend of September 24/25/26 at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, London E1W 2SF,
is all set to be even bigger and better than 2009’s record breaking event.

The ‘Guinness World Record For The Most People Being Tattooed Simultaneously’ was awarded to The London Tattoo Convention organisers after 178 of the world’s top tattooists and their clients collaborated in achieving this milestone record at Tobacco Dock on September 24th 2009.

Established in 2005, The London International Tattoo Convention, organised by the global Tattoo Life Publication, has now evolved into the most important and crowded convention in the world, let alone the Number One Alternative Event Of The Year in London.

In 2005, it was estimated that one in eight of all British adults had been inked. Now, in 2010, it is estimated that a fifth of all British adults have got at least one tattoo; among 16 – 44 year olds, both men and women, this figure rises to 29%.

It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the London International Tattoo Convention will take up even more of the vast space at Tobacco Dock than 2009’s tumultuous, vibrant event, when well over 20,000 members of the public converged on Wapping.

Tobacco Dock, a completely renovated hidden treasure of beautiful Victorian architecture, built in 1812 to store and market tobacco imported from the East, just a few minutes from Tower Bridge, has proved to be the perfect location for the convention, which had outgrown the original venue, Brick Lane’s Old Truman Brewery, by 2007.

This year, more than 200 of the world’s most famous tattooists will be practicing their art in public in all the spacious sterile areas on the vast ground floor level of Tobacco Dock, including such UK stars as Nicole Low (London Ink), Phil Kyle (London Ink), and Lal Hardy (New Wave). A whole host of international artists will be flying in from all over the world, including Tim Hendricks from Miami Ink, Filip Leu (the only convention he is attending this year), The Horiyoshi III family from Japan (who work by hand in the Tebori style), Jose Lopez and Chuey Quintanar (the best Chicano tattooers), Robert Hernandez (famous for horror style), plus Jondix and Mike The Athens (Tibetan style), to name just a few.

There will be a mind boggling amount of alternative events and complementary entertainment to enjoy, including numerous photographic exhibitions, artistic events, live rock bands, tribal dancers and seductive Burlesque performers from round the world.

The massive, spectacular, semi-submerged underground vault floor boasts wide lounge areas where various dark, jaw-dropping, alternative performers will astound at regular intervals throughout the weekend. There will be a huge amount of alternative merchandise and clothing, tattoo equipment and supplies stalls etc, plus massive fetish and vintage retro markets on the lower ground floor.

A wide range of food and drink - catering for all tastes - will be available from restaurants on the ground floor and the outside food court, plus various traditional East End themed pubs and a dedicated real ale bar, all licensed until 1.00am, on the lower vault floor.

The ‘Vince Ray Rock’n’Roll Voodoo Crypt’ stage will once again be hosted by the charismatic musician (and talented artist) himself whose band, Vince Ray and The Boneshakers, will perform live each day. Other attractions include 50 Foot Woman (www.50ftwoman.com) and bonkers rockers King Kurt (www.kingkurt.com) on Friday September 24th, the (Tribute) Blues Brothers and London Calling (Clash tribute band) on Saturday September 25th and Smokey Bastard (www.myspace.com/smokeybastard)
on Sunday September 26th.

Magical Tattooing Exhibition; Anthropologist and Archeologist Lars Krutak has spent the past 15 years researching the culture that connected tattoo, ritual, religion, myth, and nature from which indigenous tattoo culture ultimately sprang. He spent three years studying the symbolism and tattooing practices in the Arctic from 1996, before becoming researcher for the National Museum at the American Indian and then for the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. Between 1998 and 2003 he also worked in several countries of the former Yugoslavia monitoring the democratic reforms and elections for the OSCE. In 2002 Krutak left the Smithsonian to pursue tattoo research full time. He embarked on a world tour devoted to recording the lives, stories and experiences of tattooed people around the globe. He has worked as an Anthropological Consultant for three National Geographic television documentaries, is technical advisor for vanishingtattoo.com and author of the Discovery Channel (USA), Discovery World (Europe) and Discovery Channel and Living (Australia & New Zealand) series Tattoo Hunter, about body modification and tattooing practised by native tribes around the world. The Magical Tattooing Exhibition presents a series of beautiful photos taken by Lars Krutak over the last 15 years. (www.larskrutak.com)

Swallow Tattoo Studio Exhibition; One of the most famous studios in modern Tattoo history, (since the invention of the modern twin-coil electro-magnetic tattoo needle was patented by one Samuel O’Reilly in 1891, an Irish-American tattoist working out of a barber’s shop on Chatham Square in New York), is the Swallow Tattoo Studio in Hong Kong. Swallow, (Lai Shue Keung), was born in China in 1931, but moved to Hong Kong with his family when he was 15 years old. He was taken on as an apprentice by the legendary Rose Tattoo Studio as a teenager, when owner James Ho was working non stop to meet the huge demand of the British and US servicemen based in the local garrisons and naval ports. From the Korean war in 1950 through the mid / late 70’s, after the Vietnam war, Hong Kong’s importance as a strategic port meant that there was never a shortage of fighting men arriving for brief periods of rest and recuperation, eager to get inked. Swallow, who opened his own studio in 1963, amassed a huge collection of old-style flash images of popular tattoos from 1950 up to the late 1970’s, when the last naval fleets left Hong Kong and the Bristish troops vacated their garrisons. British photographer Chris Wroblewski, who has documented the thousands of flash images of military insignia, beautiful pin-ups, tigers, lions, panthers and dragons from the Swallow Tattoo Studio, published in his book, ‘Swallow Tattoo Studio Hong Kong (1963 – 1998)’, will present an unmissable, massive collection of photographs of these images. (www.chriswroblewski.com)

Burlesque Dancers; Sexy, fascinating Burlesque dancing is more popular than ever before. A cabaret show born in Victorian England in the 1800’s, it became popular among the lower classes, often satirising the upper classes. Burlesque today has metamorphosed from an edgy, subversive attraction, to a much more sexy show, focussing on femininity and the art of seduction. The internationally famous stars of Burlesque, Scarlet Daggers and Billy Ray, will thrill with their glamorous performances at different times on the main stage of the Tattoo Convention. (www.scarlettdaggers.com)

El Rana Exhibition; Italian artist Simone El Rana, will display a wide variety of his amazing ‘Ex Voto’ objects, (usually hearts, offered to a deity, typical of neo-Latin countries). These are unique, one of a kind pieces in different formats, using the most eclectic media, including wooden boxes, decorated frames, skateboards and guitars combined with the typical icons of traditional tattoo (the sacred heart, the razor, etc...) as well as antique objects that are used as splendid frames for these pieces. (www.el-rana.com)

The Oxford British Tattoo History Museum; A historical / anthropological exhibition of tattoo art objects amassed by Oxford British Tattoo History Museum founder and curator Lionel Titchener, who began collecting in 1975, will feature numerous ancient tattoo machines and a wide variety of tools used over the ages – from, for example, a small, carved Japanese bone to an old Roman tool of the 4th century BC.

Jesse Lee Denning; An artist from New York, tattoo enthusiast and owner of Invisible NY City, the famous art gallery and tattoo studio in Manhattan, is the Calendar Girl who will take the readers of Tattoo Energy through the year 2011. Her great body decorated with Oriental tattoos mixed with pieces that remind her of her life will take us through the 12 photos of the calendar showing her amazing looks, the shadows of the body and the movement of tattoos on skin. “The girl next door”, sunny and beautiful, in real life as in the photos, will be at the Tattoo Life booth to sign the copy of your calendar! An appointment not to miss… (www.myspace.com/invisinyc)

The Graffiti Kings are a collective of well known and respected artists who, as a unit, promote graffiti as a positive art form. “We see street art as the twin sister of tattooing and our work is certainly infused with imagery from the tattoo world. We look forward to being influenced by everyone at the London Tattoo Convention and putting our own compelling twist on the event.” (www.graffitikings.co.uk)

Les Soeurs Tribales, The premier Italian professional Tribal Belly Dance company, a trio of sensual dancers who mix elements of tribal belly dancing with contemporary dance, exploring fusion and improvisation, will perform on the main stage at various times over the three days of the convention. (www.lessoeurstribales.com)

The Visionary; An incredible collection of black and white images of traditional tattoo culture captured by photographer Edgar Hoill, also known as OSOK (One Shot One Kill). From the gritty borders of Mexico, to the slums of Cuba, Hoill has captured some of the most notorious images from all walks of life - from gangland imagery in the poverty ridden streets of Los Angeles to the high-profile organized crime bosses of the Yakuza in Japan; he’s never missed a shot, nor shaken a frame, thus the moniker. (www.myspace.com/osokill#ixzz0v0WHzaVr)

The biggest show of all, however, will, as ever, be that offered by the visitors themselves, who become the lead characters when they compete in the tattoo contests for different categories, such as Best Tribal, Best Backpiece, Best Black & Grey, Best Colours and Best of Show.

For more info check www.thelondontattooconvention.com from which tickets are available, priced at £20 per day for Friday, £25 for Saturday, £20 for Sunday or £50 for a three day pass.

4moreinfo – Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

5th August 2010.

© Work Hard PR 2010

London Tattoo Convention

***GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT ‘FOR MOST PEOPLE BEING TATTOOED SIMULTANEOUSLY’ BEING MADE @ 3.00PM SATURDAY SEPT. 26TH AT FIFTH LONDON INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CONVENTION***

A new Guinness World Record is expected to be proclaimed at the fifth annual London International Tattoo Convention, which takes place over the weekend of September 25/26/27 at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, London E1W 2SF.

On Saturday 26th September at 3.00pm, organisers will attempt to set a new record for the biggest number of people getting tattooed in the same venue at the same time, fully monitored by and under strict conditions and guidelines imposed by Guinness World Records.

Record attendances are expected at this year's event, which will be even bigger, better, and more diverse than 2008's hugely successful, recession-defying, tumultuous, colourful experience.

Over 200 of the world's most famous tattooists will be practising their art in public, including such UK luminaries as London Ink's Nicole Low, Alex Binnie from Into You and Lal Hardy of New Wave. Numerous international stars will have flown in from all corners of the globe, including, (to name but a few) Filip Leu and Shige who will represent the best of the Japanese style, Boog and Jose Lopez the Chicano style and Robert Hernandez the realistic-cinema-like style; every different style known worldwide will, in fact, be on offer (and on parade!).

There will be a huge amount of exhibitions, artistic events and complementary entertainment to enjoy, let alone a wide range of traditional East End themed bars, restaurants and food stalls.

The Tara Art Project Exhibition, will display a collection of original works made by some of the most famous tattoo artists from all over the world, inspired by the typical icons and symbols of the Tibetan culture and religion filtered through the sensitivity of each artist and the beauty of tattoo art. Tibetan art is often mentioned by many artists as being their source of inspiration for many of their pieces and there is great interest in its rediscovery and evolution. A book reproducing these paintings has been published with all proceedings donated to the Free Tibet Campaign, to help raise the awareness of the violation of human and cultural rights in Tibet, and the progressive destruction of the traditional Tibetan culture. For more details go to www.myspace.com/taraproject.

The anthropological / historical Oxford British Tattoo History Museum, hosted by founder/ creator Lionel Tichner, will feature various machines, flash (tattoo designs) and tools used over the ages and early documents and photographs. Visitors will be taken on a journey through the tattoo styles and techniques of different populations, cultures and traditions, searching for the deep religious, psychological and ritual meanings of tattoo art.

(In)Famous model Vikki Blows, the star of the 2010 Tattoo Energy Calendar, who combines punk and fashion in a disrespectful and nonconformist style and is considered the 'enfant terrible' of the fashion world, will be signing copies of The Tattoo Energy 2010 Calendar all weekend.

The 'kick ass, ultra sexy, fire breathing' Fuel Girls' rock'n'roll dance and stunt show is bound to be a highlight each day at the Tattoo Convention. Their crazy no-holds barred attitude has already won over a legion of fans, not least Motorhead, who took them out on tour with them across the UK last November. Their recent Playboy TV show was one of the most popular in the UK. Sexy, provocative, elegantly retro burlesque model / artist Luna Rosa will enthrall with her exotic mystery, all performed alongside an alluring soundtrack of 50's blues and rock and roll, recalling the golden years of burlesque.

Brazilian Calu C. Fur, who is also a tattooist, will perform her “Return of Calu's Peepshow”, a breathtaking, nonconformist, energy packed burlesque show, at the Convention. Calu, who has modeled for the likes of Fosters Lager and Sussy Sportswear, loves to give her shows a provocative edge.

Famous femme fatal Scarlett Daggers will enthrall the audience with her sexy show, combining burlesque, striptease, theater and pop art, effortlessly dragging the audience into her dark, ironic world.

Sabina Kelley, the sexy, sensual pin-up model who has become a regular at the Convention, will be the special guest presenter at all the tattoo contests and award ceremonies.

A variety of rock and metal bands will be playing live on two music stages located in separate large arches in the vast, sprawling lower vault floor, which will also be packed with alternative lifestyle oriented stalls, a huge fetish market and bars licensed until 2.00am.

Vince Ray's Voodoo Crypt Stage will host live music from 7.00pm onwards, interspersed with performances from 'Twisted Burlesque and Blood' model Esme, and 'Cabaret Freakshow Queen of Alternative performance' Vivid Angel, courtesy of curators Torture Garden.

Legendary hard rockers Zodiac Mindwarp And the Love Reaction, who burst out of the starting blocks with their top 20 hit single 'Prime Mover' in 1988, and whose song 'Feed My Frankenstein' was covered by Alice Cooper and featured in the Wayne's World movie, will headline the Vince Ray Voodoo Crypt stage on Saturday September 26th. Crazy Gang, featuring Greggie G and Boogie Boy H from Matchbox, are set to wow the audience with their infectious, foot tapping blend of 'vintage 40's swing to 80's rockabilly' when they headline the Voodoo Crypt stage on Friday 25th September. Vince Ray himself, and his band The Boneshakers, described as “If Carl Perkins, Screaming Jay Hawkins and Lemmy jammed together, it would sound like this” by The Metro, will perform on the Voodoo Crypt stage at 7.00pm and 9.00pm on Friday and Saturday, and finally 4.00pm on Sunday.

The Marshall Amps & Glorybound Ink Stage, will showcase some of the hottest new metal, rock, and indie bands around over the whole weekend. Explosive British metal band Sylosis, signed to Nuclear Blast Records, will co-headline on Saturday September 26th with Beyond The Grave, while Forever Never, top the bill on Friday September 26th and Brighton three piece The Rocket Dolls, (Ben Knopfler's group) close the show on the afternoon of Sunday September 27th.

The biggest show of all, however, will once again be that offered by the visitors themselves, who become the lead characters when they compete in the tattoo contests for different categories, such as Best Tribal, Best Backpiece, Best Black & Grey, Best Colours and Best of Show.

Established in 2005, The London International Tattoo Convention, organised by the global Tattoo Life publication, has attracted huge amounts of media coverage worldwide over the last four years and become the Number One Alternative Event Of The Year in London, let alone one of the most crowded and important conventions in Europe.

Having outgrown its original Old Truman Brewery location, The Tattoo Convention relocated in 2008 to a much bigger site at Tobacco Dock, a completely renovated hidden treasure of beautiful Victorian architecture, built in 1812 to store and market tobacco imported from the East, just a few minutes from Tower Bridge.

Having been increasingly crammed into the Old Truman Brewery, visitors were delighted to discover that there was now ample room for all the artists to work, more than enough space for suppliers to display their products, and a perfect location for all the additional shows, catering and entertainment provided at Tobacco Dock. More than 20,000 thronged Tobacco Dock last year and even more tattoo aficionados are expected to attend in 2009.

* Tickets for the convention are priced at £20 per day or £50 for a three day pass.
* Opening Times are: 12.00 - 02.00am Friday and Saturday, 12.00 - 19.30 on Sunday.
* For more info online & advance tickets check www.thelondontattooconvention.com

* Press and media contact ­ Roland Hyams ­ roland@workhardpr.com 020 8677 8466

Press and PR contact Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 020 8769 6713

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com/

September 7th 2009

***MASSIVE FOURTH LONDON INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CONVENTION 26/27/28 SEPTEMBER @ TOBACCO DOCK, WAPPING E1W 2SF***

The fourth London International Tattoo Convention, which has been confirmed for September 26/27/28, will this year take place at a new, vastly bigger and better location at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, London E1W 2SF, having outgrown original venue The Old Truman Brewery.

The London International Tattoo Convention has now become THE Number One Alternative Event Of The Year in London, having attracted HUGE amounts of media coverage worldwide over the last three years, with each event becoming even more crammed with visitors, artists and events, making it one of the most crowded and important conventions in Europe.

The Inaugural London International Tattoo Convention in 2005 attracted over 15,000 visitors, the second saw over 18,000 people through the doors, while last year over 20,000 fans of body art packed the Old Truman Brewery to the rafters and hundreds had to be turned away.

As a result the 4th London International Tattoo Convention has moved to a much bigger venue at Tobacco Dock in Wapping, a completely renovated hidden treasure of beautiful Victorian architecture, built in 1812 to store and market tobacco imported from the East, just a few minutes from Tower Bridge.

The ground floor of Tobacco Dock, where the main Tattoo Convention will be situated, has a huge purpose built bar and restaurant and acres of space for the hundreds of stalls, studios, exotic esoteric dances, shows, exhibits and art events taking place.

Traditional East End themed nourishment will be on offer, including pie and mash stalls and a huge real ale bar stocked with beers chosen by members of Camra, including various London micro-breweries' latest offerings.

The massive, spectacular underground vault floor, with extensive sprawling nooks and crannies, will contain a fetish market, a varied and vibrant alternative market place, coffee shops and other chill out zones and bars licensed until 1.00am. The 'Vince Ray Rock'n'Roll Voodoo Crypt', hosted by the man himself (currently touring with The Stray Cats) will have a nightclub vibe created by none other than Torture Garden, who promise numerous dark, alternative sideshows and entertainment.

The fourth London International Tattoo Convention will once again be packed with top tattoo artists flying in from as far away as Japan, China, Thailand and Singapore, let alone from all over Europe, America, and the UK.

Over 190 top artists, chosen from over 1,000 applications from all around the world, will be in London to demonstrate their extraordinary abilities. Elite artists such as Boog, who specialises in the Chicano style from East Los Angeles, Miami Ink's Tim Hendrix, Japan's Horitaka, (a member of the Horiyoshi family who has written over ten books on the history and art of Japanese tattooing), Samoa's Sua Loli Keli, (a university teacher who is an expert in the Samoan hand style), France's Tin Tin, (a favourite of the fashion world who works with the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Givenchy, Galliano etc) and Phil Kyle and Nicole Lowe of London Ink will be practising their art in public.

Artists of this calibre rarely participate in conventions, but such is the stature of the London International Convention that real tattoo masters like these will be found in abundance at this unique cultural event.

The biggest show of all, however, will be that offered by the visitors themselves, who become the lead characters when they compete in the tattoo contests for different categories, such as Best Tribal, Best Backpiece, Best Black & Grey, Best Colours and Best of Show.

The 2008 Convention will once again feature a host of diverse related attractions, including an Anthropological Exhibition (created by Lionel Titchener of the British Tattoo History Museum), Tribal belly dancers (Les Soeurs Tribale), an Art Fusion Camp plus various Art Exhibitions, Extreme Performance Artists (Lucky Diamond Rich), The Suicide Girls, celebrity book and calendar launches and much, much more. There really will be more things to do than you can shake a stick at!

For more info check www.thelondontattooconvention.com from which tickets are available, priced at £20 per day or £50 for a three day pass.

History

Tattoos have exploded from being a minority interest (mostly associated with sailors, soldiers and nobility), into the mainstream public's consciousness in the last decade and It is only fitting that London should host the biggest International Tattoo Convention in the world, as it could be argued that modern western tattooing originated here. Captain James Cook, who discovered Tahiti and its tattooed inhabitants in 1769, coined the word 'tattoo', inspired by the 'Tat-Tat' sound of the hammer hitting the needle piercing the skin. He brought the heavily tattooed Prince Omai back to London, and sparked huge interest in body art, which had virtually disappeared in Europe after a papal bull banning it was issued in 787AD.

Colourful ­ Roland Hyams on 020 / 8677 8466 / 020 8769 6713

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com/

24thJuly 2008

***MASSIVE THIRD INTERNATIONAL LONDON TATTOO CONVENTION 5/6/7 OCTOBER 2007 @ THE OLD TRUMAN BREWERY, BRICK LANE***

The London International Tattoo Convention, which takes place October 5/6/7 at The Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, has been catapulted into being THE Number One Alternative Event Of The Year in London. The inaugural convention in 2005 was wildly successful, garnered HUGE amounts of media coverage worldwide, and attracted over 15,000 visitors over three days. Last year's convention exceeded all expectations and attracted over 17,000 visitors, confirming The London International Tattoo Convention as one of the most crowded and important conventions in Europe.

The Third London International Tattoo Convention will once again be packed with top tattoo artists from all around the world, not least Paul Booth form New York and Filip Leu from Lausanne. Artists of this calibre rarely participate in conventions, but such is the stature of the London International Convention that real tattoo masters like these will be found in abundance at this unique cultural event.

Over 150 top artists, chosen from over 800 applications from all around the world, will be in London to demonstrate their extraordinary abilities, complemented by exotic esoteric dances, shows, exhibits and art events. Once again the biggest show of all will be that offered by the visitors themselves, who become the lead characters when they compete in the tattoo contests for different categories, such as Best Tribal, Best Backpiece, Best Black & Grey, Best Colours and Best of Show.

The 2007 Convention will once again feature a host of diverse related attractions, including an Anthrological Exhibition (created by Lionel Titchener of the British Tattoo History Museum), Tribal belly dancers (Les Soeurs Tribale), an Art Fusion Camp, Hawaiian and Maori war dances (Vatea Tahiti), an Art Exhibition, Extreme Performance Artists (Lucky Diamond Rich), The Suicide Girls, celebrity book and calendar launches, plus much, much more. Sound systems and spectacular lighting rigs run by International DJ's will provide a backdrop to the event, which will be both a body art gallery and a community festival. There really will be more things to do than you can shake a stick at!

Tattoos have exploded from being a minority interest (mostly associated with sailors, soldiers and nobility), into the mainstream public's consciousness in the last decade and It is only fitting that London should host the International Tattoo Convention, as it could be argued that modern western tattooing originated here. Captain James Cook, who discovered Tahiti and its tattooed inhabitants in 1769, coined the word 'tattoo', inspired by the 'Tac-Tac' sound of the hammer hitting the needle piercing the skin. He brought the heavily tattooed Prince Omai back to London, and sparked huge interest in body art, which had virtually disappeared in Europe after a papal bull banning it was issued in 787AD.

Once again, the convention will take place over three floors of the Atlantis building, part of The Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, situated at the heart of Jack The Ripper territory, now a bustling, funky area in the East End of London. For (much) more info check www.thelondontattooconvention.com from which tickets are available, priced at £18 per day or £45 for a three day pass.

Colourful ­ Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 020 8769 6713

roland@workhardpr.com

www.thelondontattooconvention.com

9th August 2007

***SECOND INTERNATIONAL LONDON TATTOO CONVENTION 6/7/8 OCTOBER 2006 @ THE OLD TRUMAN BREWERY, BRICK LANE***

Following the extraordinarily successful, rammed-to-the-rafters debut London International Tattoo Convention in October 2005, The Second International London Tattoo Convention has been confirmed for October 6TH, 7th & 8th at The Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane

Last October more than 15,000 fans of body art visited the first convention, which attracted acres of press, radio and TV coverage around the world.

On October 8th The Times reported that “The traditional biker's 'skull-with-a-dagger' look was very much in evidence as middle-aged rockers of both sexes mingled with a new, younger breed of heavy metal fans, but amid the throng of Motorhead and Anthrax T-shirts were dozens of stylishly dressed young women, many of them sporting large, but beautifully crafted, Oriental tattoos. The trend for bold statements rather than cute little hearts and butterflies appears to be growing as one in eight Britons are now estimated to carry this particular form of adornment”.

On October 8th The Independent stated that “They came in their thousands to offer their bodies for decoration to some of the best artists in the world. And judging by the queue outside the London Tattoo Convention yesterday, the 150 top body colourists from around the world had plenty of flesh to press. Zele from Croatia, Horikoi from Japan and BorneoHeadHunter from Indonesia joined other tattoo artists in transforming an old brewery building in the East End into the biggest tattoo parlour in the world.”

The list of artists who will be setting up stall at the convention reads like a who's who of the royalty of the tattoo world. This year more than 800 artists applied to the organisers, who selected the 150 best, most talented artists from ALL around the world, including such mega talents as London's Lal Hardy and New York's Paul Booth, among many famous others.

The 2006 Convention will feature an even bigger host of diverse related attractions than 2005, including a South Seas Village where traditional tattooists set up their stall under palm trees and a Viking tent congregated by tribal tattooists. Sound systems and spectacular lighting rigs run by International DJ's will provide a backdrop to the event, which will be both a body art gallery and a community festival.

'Burlesque-Dancer' Sabina Kelly, a sensual model who brings to life the iconography of the pin-ups of the 50's with irony and incredible energy, will be signing autographs at a photo exhibition of herself and her calendar. For info:- www.switchbladestilettos.com.

The anthropological / historical exhibition is back after the incredible success of 2005. Organized by Lionel Titchener, (founder of the Tattoo Club Of Great Britain and the curator of The British Tattoo History Museum), featuring various machines, flash (tattoo designs) and tools used over the ages. This exhibition takes a journey through the tattoo styles and techniques of different populations, cultures and traditions, searching for the deep religious and ritual meanings of tattoo art.

Once again there will be an 'Art Fusion Camp' taking place over the three days, where a dozen tattoo artists commence working on individual blank canvases and then change places, continuing on the next artist's canvas, moving on at regular intervals until each work is finished.

This year the convention will host "The Living Art Of Pacific Tattoo” exhibition of New Zealand and Pacific-based photographers, Steven Ball and Serena Stevenson. This unique photo-documentary of ancient Polynesian and Maori tattoo art focuses on the Tatau and Ta Moko traditions and explores the religious and ritual meanings of their tattoos.

There will be a 'Japanese Gallery' exhibition which will explore the origins and cultural roots of traditional Japanese figurative arts which have contributed to the development of tattoo art over the centuries. There will be displays of art by woodblock printers of the Ukiyo-e period (or "of the floating world"), plus an analysis of the long history of manga - satirical works - and the most traditional figurative artwork, with a special exhibit focusing on geishas.

American tattoo artist/photographer Juan Puente will exhibit a series of photos of the great Japanese master Horiyoshi III at work on his huge, beautiful, intricate designs.

Performance Artist Lucky Diamond Rich, the most tattooed man in the world, will perform a selection of high energy, death-defying circus based stunts.

A troupe of traditional Hawaiian dancers, Vatea Tahiti, will perform traditional dances, ranging from hula dancing typical of Hawaii to war dances typical of the islands between Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand. Vatea are also a group of tattoo artists who promote the techniques and symbols of the traditional Polynesian tribal tattoo and the Marquesan style.

Les Soeurs Tribales, an all-female group of “tribal belly dancers” who take inspiration from traditional Oriental belly dancing, but in a more creative and interpretative tribal style, bring their sexy, energetic show to the convention.

Biohazard main man Evan Seinfeld, star of the 'Oz' TV show, and his porn star wife Tera Patrick will once again be at this year's London Convention. Evan has just starred in the TV show SuperGroup, on channel VH1 in the US, where he formed a super-group with guitarists Scott Ian (Anthrax) and Ted Nugent, drummer Jason Bonham and singer Sebastian Bach, and he is also working on the new series of Oz. Tera Patrick is one of most popular porn stars in the world and has appeared in several adult features. Today, she hosts the popular web cast, The Tera Patrick Show and is active in the adult community, raising money for the Free Speech Coalition, a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness about the first amendment rights.

The Suicide Girls will be there to promote their website, suicidegirls.com which, with 500.000 unique visitors a week has built a strong business model that proves that erotica does not have to be exploitative to be successful.

Incredibly popular are the Tattoo Contests, which will be held in various categories such as black and grey, best small piece, best large piece etc., where visitors take part in an exciting competition in which art and fun are the real winners.

It is only fitting that London should host the International Tattoo Convention, as it could be argued that modern western tattooing originated here. Captain James Cook, who discovered Tahiti and its tattooed inhabitants in 1769, coined the word 'tattoo', inspired by the 'Tac-Tac' sound of the hammer hitting the needle piercing the skin. He brought the heavily tattooed Prince Omai back to London, and sparked huge interest in body art, which had virtually disappeared in Europe after a papal bull banning it was issued in 787AD.

Once again, the convention will take place over three floors of the Atlantis building, part of The Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, situated at the heart of Jack The Ripper territory, now a bustling, funky area in the East End of London.

Tickets are priced at £15 per day or £40 for a three day pass and are available from

www.thelondontattooconvention.com or www.eventsboxoffice.com

Getting the needle ­ Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 020 8769 6713

22nd August 2006

© Work Hard PR 2010