Kokova Magazine

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 practising their art in public in one place, working in all the styles of the art form under the sun.

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.

"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."

Miki Vialetto

Amazing world class acts and alternative performances, from burlesque to sword swallowing, striptease and trapeze, are set to enthrall on the Main Stage, including the world famous Fuel Girls.

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.

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 quayside, 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.

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.