YOU TOO CAN HAVE A TATTOO IN TEDDINGTON
The tattoo artists from Teddington Ink in Waldegrave Road accepted their most unusual mission recently – to provide a tattoo service at a wake.
The man who’d passed away was in his thirties, a father of three, and a huge tattoo lover and his wife wanted to honour his memory by offering the grieving guests the chance to get small, meaningful flash tattoos during the gathering.
Teddington Ink owner Rich told Teddington Town: “We worked closely with her to design a set of ten pieces that reflected his personality and story and ended up tattooing 15 people on the day at The Anglers pub in Teddington.
“Naturally, we made sure no one had been drinking beforehand. It was emotional, respectful, and honestly one of the most meaningful days we’ve been part of as a studio. It really showed how tattoos can bring people together and mark something unforgettable.”
Teddington Ink in Waldegrave opened in 2014 then as no-frills tattoo studio. Now, after a full renovation in 2024 under new management, the studio has been transformed the space into a modern, welcoming and fully licensed environment — built for creativity and comfort serving tattoo lovers in Teddington, Twickenham, Hampton and Kingston.
As part of Teddington Town’s commitment to showcase and recognise local business we sat down to talk tattoos with the owner of Teddington Ink, Rich.
So, you’ve been in Teddington for a year now, how’s business going?
It’s been a steady and positive first year. We’ve focused on creating a welcoming, non-intimidating space and delivering quality work that people are proud to wear. The goal is elated clients who come back and tell all their friends about us. There’s always room to be busier, but we’re building something real and lasting.
What convinced you there was a market for a tattoo shop in the area? I think there is one other in Broad Street – is there really that much demand?
We did our research and saw a real gap in the market—not just in terms of demand, but in the kind of atmosphere we wanted to create. A professional, friendly, and inclusive studio where people feel genuinely comfortable—whether it’s their first tattoo or their fiftieth. The response from the community has been incredible. We’ve now got over 300 five-star reviews on Google, which really says it all.
Tattoos seem more popular than ever, especially among young women – why do you think that is?
Tattoos aren’t just a trend—they’re a statement. For a lot of young women, it’s about showing who they are, what they love and looking cool in the process. Social media’s helped too—when your favourite artists and influencers are covered in ink, it suddenly feels totally normal to get your own.
Can you give us some examples of the most exotic and unusual tattoos which you have done?
We’ve done all sorts – from an alligator holding a bottle of Jack Daniels, Tabasco Sauce and a handgun to commemorate the trip of a life time to the Southern states of America to a meditating mushroom, and even a full-back gothic dragon. One client had both her cats’ faces tattooed on her thighs—which came out beautifully. We love the unusual ones—they’re fun, creative, and keep us on our toes.
Tell us some of your more famous customers – obviously with their permission!
Confidentially it treated seriously, but without giving too much away, we’ve had a few familiar faces in the studio—from the local music scene to a very well-known actor, and even a pro footballer who was local visiting family. But whoever walks through the door gets the same treatment: lavished with attention, care, and usually a good cup of tea or coffee.
Is there a minimum age that someone can legally have a tattoo? How old is the oldest person you’ve ever tattooed and what was the tattoo?
Under the Tattooing of Minors Act (1969), it’s illegal to tattoo anyone under 18 in the UK—no exceptions, even with parental consent. Our oldest client? He was 79 and got a stick man drawing by his granddaughter tattooed on his arm. He said, ‘She’s been doodling on everything else—may as well sign her name on me too!’ It was sweet, funny, and one of our favourite moments in the studio.”
Can you give some reasons people give for having a tattoo, especially the stranger ones?
We hear it all—memorials for loved ones, breakup tattoos, tributes to favourite films or bands, deeply personal meanings, or completely random inside jokes. Some people come in with a whole story, others just really want a frog skeleton on their arm. The reasons range from emotional to hilarious, and that’s part of what makes tattooing so fascinating—you never know what’s walking through the door next.
What kind of skills or training do you need to be a tattooist?
You need to be able to draw, of course—but just as importantly, you need a steady hand, solid hygiene knowledge, and the ability to really listen to your client. Most tattooists start with an apprenticeship—that’s still the best way to learn the craft. There are courses and online classes out there, but nothing beats training under a skilled, patient artist. Beginners usually start by tattooing on fake skin—sheets of synthetic material that mimic the feel of real skin—so you can practise without leaving a mark on anyone human.
How did you first get interested in tattoos and making a career out of it?
I’m not a tattooist myself—I come from a tech background and was part of a global restructuring at Meta (Facebook) that led to my whole team being made redundant. I hadn’t always been into tattoos, but the more I learned, the more I saw how much meaning, artistry, and community there was in it. I bought the studio because I wanted to build something real and creative. Now, I work behind the scenes to support the artists and make sure the studio runs at a high standard, so they can focus on doing what they do best.
How much does a tattoo cost?
Prices depend on size, complexity, colour, and where it’s going on the body. A small black-and-grey design might start around £70, but larger custom pieces can run into the hundreds or even thousands. It’s a bit like commissioning a piece of art—you’re paying for the artist’s time, creativity, and experience. We offer free consultations—both online and in person—with our friendly team, so if you’ve got an idea, come have a chat and let’s bring it to life.
What’s the most popular tattoo for men and for women, and where is the most common or popular position on the body?
Script and fine-line florals are big with women, often on the arm or rib. For men, it’s often geometric or symbolic designs on the forearm or upper arm. But it really depends—tattoos are so personal, and we love seeing trends shift.
What is the most expensive tattoo you’ve ever given?
We did a full Japanese style sleeve with colour, custom elements, and multiple sessions—it came in around £1,800 in total. But the client was thrilled and said it was worth every penny.
What are the most popular designs? Birds, anchors and butterflies as well as tributes to loved ones like sweethearts or mum and dad?
Birds and butterflies are still very popular, but we also get a lot of Roman numerals, pet portraits, and spiritual symbols. Memorial tattoos are incredibly meaningful and always treated with extra care.
How do you feel about tattoo removal? Lots of people regret having their tattoos later in life and want to remove them. Is that easier done now?
Removal technology has come a long way, but it’s still expensive, can take multiple sessions, and doesn’t always fully erase a tattoo. Laser removal works by breaking down the ink particles in your skin so your body can gradually flush them out. It can be uncomfortable and slow—especially with older or colourful tattoos. That’s why we always say: take your time, don’t rush, and come in for a proper consult. We’d much rather you wait and get it right than regret it later.
That said, full removal isn’t always the only option. We’ve done plenty of successful cover-ups—sometimes integrating the old tattoo into something new and fresh. It doesn’t work in every case, but when it does, it can save a lot of time, money, and healing.
Lots of celebrities have very distinctive tattoos like David Beckham – do you have many celebrity clients who are regularly topping up their tats?
We’ve had a few celebs and semi-celebs, but they tend to keep things low-key. What we do get are regulars who love to come back and add new pieces over time. It’s a journey for many people.
What’s the most impressive tattoo you’ve ever given or seen?
One of our artists did a stunning chest piece of the Archangel Gabriel that had serious Sistine Chapel energy—truly beautiful work. But honestly, the most impressive tattoos are often the ones with real meaning. Even the tiniest design can feel monumental if it marks a moment, memory or part of someone’s story. That’s what makes this job so special.
People often say it hurts to get a tattoo. How do you respond to that?
It’s totally manageable. Pain is part of the process, but it’s short-lived—and most people say it’s nowhere near as bad as they expected. A good artist knows how to work the needle to minimise discomfort and will go at your pace. We’re also great at keeping clients relaxed—whether that’s chatting, breathing techniques, or just the occasional distraction. In fact, some people even fall asleep mid-tattoo… which we take as a compliment!