London
Ink: The Complete Series One
“Once
the choice of sailors, bikers or
punks and with a long history of tribal
adornment, tattoos have now become
fashionable and highly artistic — from
a delicate butterfly gracing a dainty
ankle or curvy hip to a riotous blend of
colour and form: a swooping eagle or
a beautiful Japanese Geisha...”
THE CREATOR OF THE MOST FAMOUS BODY ART in the world — David
Beckham's Guardian Angel — Louis Molloy is a tattoo artist
whose work is recognised by millions. From his Manchester base, Louis has moved
into London to face a new challenge — to create the most talked
about tattoo studio in Britain: London Ink. The good news is that his fascinating
work has been captured on film and is now available on DVD.
Having handpicked three of the best tattoo artistes with unique talents in the
business to join him — ultra-talented Brit and New Wave Graffiti-Guru Dan;
Phil from the United States and Nikole from New Zealand — Louis considers
he has the perfect combination for success at London Ink.
Dan lost everything — his business, his relationship, his cars and his
home — and he is now trying to turn his life around. Louis wants him not
only to do what he does best but also to branch out in directions he may not
want to go.
Nikole has been in the business for 16 years and specialises in Japanese, Tibetan
and Indian designs. She has a following of loyal clients all over the world
and she loves to get as much coverage as possible: "Bigger," she says, "is better."
If you imagine that tattooing is painful, you would be right. Few of London
Ink's clients managed to get through the process without even the odd winge.
Pin-up girl Emily Scott
is up for it, but she isn't sure what her agent will think.
Having established his company over 25 years in Manchester, Louis was originally
approached by David Beckham who really didn't know what he wanted at that time.
Two years later he came back with a better idea and Louis created the now-famous
image.
Client Gene Linford was after something different, so London Ink created a new
incarnation of David Beckham's Guardian Angel for him. The complex design would
take around five hours to complete. Dan's first client, Riki Nelson, is selling
his beloved 1962 Buick because he is getting married and wanted a tribute to
the car — a very special image tattooed on his forearm.
People have different reasons for wanting tattoos. Nikole's first client at
London Ink wanted a breast cancer awareness ribbon tattoo. Having survived cancer
herself, she wanted something that would be an inspiration to others. Nikole
created a very special
and ornate design based around the distinctive ribbon.
The tattooists works closely with each client, trying to find compromises where
necessary. Once the design has been approved, it can be frustrating if the client
then wants to change it further. It is much easier, says Louis, when the client
has a clear picture of what they want.
One of Louis' existing clients in Manchester, known as Polo Mint John because
of a giant Polo Mint tattoo on his upper arm — a tribute to his grandfather
who used to tell him that he put the holes in polo mints — has turned up
at London Ink to commission a second 'sleeve' for his unadorned arm. Kiss fan
Julian wants to add to the Kiss collection on his body and model Esther has
commissioned Phil to put a special tattoo on her back in memory of her grandmother.
Narrated by Max Beesley (Hotel Babylon, Bodies, Tom Jones),
the London Ink DVD is an opportunity to see tattooists at work —
in all their artistic glory. Iwan Thomas, Darren Thompson, Shane Lynch, Alex
Kramer and Emily Scott are among the stars being 'inked'. From commission to
execution (if you'll pardon the pun!), the designs take shape and tattooing
dreams become a reality — unless, of course, they decide to chicken out!
• From the makers of Miami Ink, Revelation
Films presents London Ink: The Complete Series One in six great episodes
on DVD. Out now (released 7 April, 2008). Catalogue Number: PAR61389 | RRP:
£19.99 | Number of Discs: 2 | DVD Extras: Exclusive Artist Interviews and Photo
Gallery.
driven = new MINI John Cooper Works
music = The
Very Best Of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself
news = The Day The Earth Stood Still
