Exhibition: 20 years of Inkden tattoo studio

Our friends at the Tea Amantes tea room and art gallery are frequently featured in these pages for hosting a string of excellent art exhibitions. Now they are hosting a show to celebrate 20 years of their partner business, the Inkden Tattoo Studio.

The studio first opened as the Dragons Den and was founded by Keith Butcher in the heart of Blackpool and quickly gained recognition and became one of the most renowned and respected tattoo studios in town.

Over the past two decades, the studio has witnessed significant changes, one of which was the takeover by one of Keith’s talented tattoo artists and friend Shamack (Przemek Malachowski).
Shamack is a globally-recognised artist specialising in biomechanical and realistic tattoos and boasting a remarkable experience of over 25 years in the field. With a passion for art and a desire to provide others with the same transformative experience he had with his first tattoo, Shamack embraced the opportunity to take the reins of the studio.

Under his guidance, the studio underwent a rebranding and emerged as Inkden, showcasing Shamack’s exceptional skills and the dedication of the entire team.

The studio’s 20th anniversary is a momentous occasion, deserving of celebration. The two day affair commenced on the evening of 30th June 2023 and continued through the following day with a 1920s theme. Staff being dressed in the appropriate clobber.

I moseyed down on the afternoon of 1st July 2023 to find things in full swing. After consuming a delicious cheese on ciabatta special with a nice Assam tea, I had a glance at the frames of pics taken over the years. The back wall had portraits of the current tattoo artists who work in the studio attached to the tea rooms. With the focus on the celebration, I gathered there was no tattooing that day – several large gentlemen in Hawaiian shirts being politely and regretfully turned away.

The tea room was quite full and it was pleasing that there was such an air of contentment about the place, something of a community feel, bearing in mind the number of hotels on Albert Road where Tea Amantes is located. You could also get your caricature drawn by a local artist.

I’ve alway liked the idea of a tea room alongside a tattoo studio – I wonder how many people have decided to have a tattoo while supping an excellent tea or coffee. Not me I have to say. Needles – eek! The gallery is recognised as adding significantly to the flourishing Blackpool art scene, a thing that needs to be recognised more widely in the mainstream press. Compare the coverage on Blackpool arts with that on recent sewage spills into the sea, vilely important though that is.

I understand that the tattoo studio’s extremely high standards are recognised far and wide. Possibly don’t come in for ‘shaz luvs daz’ on your bicep. If you have come to regret a tattoo, here you can have it lasered off too. This day we had the added bonus of a magic talking mirror that took your picture. It made me look fat, but then I am.

Long may these two fine businesses prosper. Congratulations to all concerned, particularly Anna and Shamack whose partnership and hard work make all this possible.