Jurassic Coast Tattoo Convention 2014
November 7, 2014Premier Inn, Bournemouth
7-8-9 Nov 2014
The Jurassic Coast Tattoo Convention is the brainchild of Kerry and Carl Collinson, the proprietors of Urban Image Tattoo studio in Kinson. Now in its third year as the first show was originally held at the eye-wateringly expensive-to-book Lighthouse Centre. Then, unable to secure their chosen location (which is the current one), the second convention was held at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne, the Tattoo show now seems to have found a good home at the Premier Inn hotel in Westover Rd Bournemouth. This venue offered a more central location and an added bonus of interest from casual passers-by.
Jurassic Coast 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9–10
–11–12–13–14–15–16–17–18–19–20
–21–22–23–24–25–26–27–28–29–30
–31–32–33–34–35–36–37–38
Roughly 1200 punters came through the doors over the three day convention and most were extremely impressed with the quality of tattooists on display, who were taking bookings and walk-ups and producing quality custom artwork. Also on offer were a whole range of traders offering Beard accessories, bespoke seamstresses, Tattoo themed knick-knacks, taxidermy and a traditional barber. I made it down for a couple of hours on the Friday and a couple on Sunday as I was away in London on the Saturday, but in the time I was there I was thoroughly taken with the whole event, the organisation, the layout and the overall friendly atmosphere that prevailed.
Seattle USA based and world renowned Tattooist and machine builder Paco Rollins delivered a successful seminar to his fellow professionals on how to strip down and build back up their machines, with extra emphasis on tuning their rigs to suit their own styles and needs. Also the bearded brothers at Bear Face hosted an amusing “Best Beard” competition that had a category for ladies (home made) beards as well. Some expert seamstressing designs were on show with bespoke jewellery available too. The organiser Kerry said “best year to date, very, very happy”.
An excellent convention that I will spend a lot more time at next year.
Here is a link to the winning pieces of the, some truly inspirational pieces.
Also links to the 3rd Jurassic Coast Tattoo Convention’s website of the weekends tattooists and traders that made the show into one to remember.
Words and pictures by Dan O’Gara.